WORK AND PENSIONS

Action Team for Jobs

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what results were achieved by the action team for jobs based in Leytonstone; what the cost was of the action team's work; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: Since its inception in October 2000, the Waltham Forest action team, which is based in Leytonstone, has engaged with 12,592 disadvantaged customers and has helped 3,424 people into work. The total cost, for the period April 2002 to March 2006, was £2,034,306.
	Many of the practices and ideas developed by action teams have been integrated into Jobcentre Plus mainstream programmes and services. Examples include outreach work in local communities and the greater discretionary funding that is available to advisers.
	Our future strategy will build on the success of action teams, and other community-based initiatives; including the introduction of a Deprived Areas Fund (DAF) from October 2006 and the Cities strategy proposed in our recent Green Paper.

Benefit Simplification Unit

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the work of the Benefit Simplification Unit, with particular reference to  (a) cost,  (b) staffing and  (c) performance to date.

James Plaskitt: When fully staffed, the Benefit Simplification Unit will have five full-time staff with additional input from senior officials. Gross costs during 2006-07 are estimated to be around £290,000. A secondee from Citizens Advice will also be joining the unit in June 2006 for six months, looking in particular at the customer interface.
	Simplifying the benefits system requires action on many fronts, particularly among those developing and maintaining benefit policy and procedures. The Benefit Simplification Unit's role will be to act as a catalyst in driving forward simplification, challenging existing complexity and ensuring that the need to bear down on complexity is at the heart of future benefit design and delivery.
	The unit published "Simplification: Guide to Best Practice" on 4 May 2006. A copy has been placed in the Library. The unit is now working to raise awareness of the simplification agenda across DWP and to embed best practice. Progress will be reported on annually in the departmental report.

Council Tax Benefit

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he plans to raise the applicable amount of single person's income that is deemed eligible for council tax benefit.

James Plaskitt: We have already increased the applicable amount for all pensioners, whether single or couples.
	This took place when pension credit was introduced in October 2003. From then we committed almost £0.5 billion a year to increasing the amounts on which council tax benefit (and housing benefit) are based. This meant that around 2 million pensioner households either became entitled to council tax benefit for the first time or qualified for more help.
	We will continue to keep applicable amounts under review. They are subject to annual uprating.

Council Tenants

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many council tenants there were in each year since 1997; how many of those tenants were on housing benefit; what the cost of council tenants' housing benefit was in each year; and from what source the cost of such housing benefits has been met since it ceased to be a charge on housing revenue accounts.

James Plaskitt: The information is in the following tables. Since 2004-05, when responsibility for payment of rent rebate subsidy passed from the then ODPM to DWP, the cost of rent rebates has been a charge to local authorities; general funds. DWP pays subsidy to local authorities for expenditure incurred on rent rebates.
	
		
			  Number of households in local authority rented accommodation 
			  Thousand 
			   Number 
			 1997 3,263 
			 1998 3,209 
			 1999 3,093 
			 2000 2,904 
			 2001 2,879 
			 2002 2,735 
			 2003 2,542 
			 2004 2,469 
			 2005 2,250 
			  Notes:  1. Figures come from the Survey of English Housing, and are for England only. They can be accessed at www.odpm.gov.uk. 2. They relate to the number of households in local authority rented accommodation, not the number of people in local authority rented accommodation. 
		
	
	
		
			  Percentage of households in local authority rented properties that are receiving housing benefit 
			  Thousand 
			   Percentage 
			 1996-97 66 
			 1997-98 65 
			 1998-99 63 
			 1999-2000 62 
			 2000-01 62 
			 2001-02 61 
			 2002-03 64 
			 2003-04 64 
			  Notes: 1. This information is taken from the Survey of English Housing, and is for England only. It is available at www.odpm.gov.uk.  2. As with table 1, figures relate to households, not people in local authority rented accommodation. The figures refer to financial years, rather than calendar years as in table 1. 
		
	
	
		
			  Level of housing benefit paid to local authority tenants 
			  £ million 
			   Amount 
			 1996-97 5,569 
			 1997-98 5,495 
			 1998-99 5,405 
			 1999-2000 5,345 
			 2000-01 5,259 
			 2001-02 5,283 
			 2002-03 5,405 
			 2003-04 5,033 
			 2004-05 5,208 
			  Notes: 1. The figures presented are in £ million and reflect nominal costs for the whole of Great Britain. Figures relate to financial years.  2. They are total amounts paid to beneficiaries, irrespective of the source of funding, and include benefit spending reimbursed by DWP, spending on rent rebates financed within local authorities' housing revenue accounts, and benefit spending financed from local authorities' general funds.  3. They reflect the latest benefit-by-benefit estimate of out-turn, and not the amounts voted by Parliament.  4. Figures for 1999-2000 onwards are on a resource accounting land budgeting basis. There may be differences between figures quoted in these tables and those quoted in Department for Work and Pensions accounts.  5. Some figures for past years may have changed since previous publications owing to the incorporation of more up-to-date information. Also please note that from April 2003 responsibility for child benefit, guardians allowance and child's special allowance has been transferred to Inland Revenue.  6. Figures exclude asylum seekers from April 1999, since when the National Asylum Support Service has reimbursed DWP for benefits paid to asylum seekers.  7. This information is taken from the latest published housing benefit forecasts, available at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/Table8.xls

Customer Management System Call Centres

Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether the Government make a profit from the operation of customer management system call centres.

Anne McGuire: The Government do not make any profit from the operation of customer management system call centres.

Employment and Support Allowance

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether young people under the age of 25 will receive a lower basic rate of the proposed employment and support allowance than those over the age of 25; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: holding answer 25 May 2006
	The formal consultation exercise for the Green Paper "A new deal for welfare: Empowering people to work" finished on 21 April. We are currently considering the responses and will publish a report in the early summer.

Error Task Force

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what progress has been made in reducing levels of official error in the benefit system, with particular reference to the work of the Error Task Force.

James Plaskitt: The latest available estimates for the value of official error in the benefits system as a whole cover the year to March 2005 and total £0.9 billion. These were published in the Departmental Resource Account in January 2006.
	A task force was established in January 2006 to address the top value official errors in the main income-related benefits. The task force has identified a number of improvement measures which are now in the process of being implemented. The first set of official error figures covering the period of the task force are due to be published in summer 2007.

Gershon Efficiency Targets

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what progress his Department is making towards achieving compliance with Gershon efficiency targets; and if he will list the  (a) reallocations of savings targets between different sections of the Department and its agencies,  (b) arrangements for securing and monitoring service quality and  (c) external audit of compliance with the targets which have taken place in pursuit of those targets.

Jim Murphy: The Department is on track to meet its Gershon review efficiency targets. Progress against the targets has been reported in the Department's Departmental Report 2006 which was laid before Parliament on 11 May 2006.
	Indicative year-end headcount milestones by DWP business are set out as follows. DWP SR2004 financial settlement was funded net of required financial efficiency savings. The Department for Work and Pensions spending plans for the SR2004 period are set out in the Department's Departmental Report 2006.
	The Department's Efficiency Technical Note sets out how the Department will measure achievement of the efficiency targets from the Spending Review 2004 and departmental performance, including assurance arrangements for those measures. The Efficiency Technical Note is published on the Department's website.
	
		
			  FTE 
			   Headcount Milestones (ONS) 
			2005-06  2006-07  2007-08 
			  Business  Actual Headcount 1 March 2004  Actual Headcount 31 March 2006  Headcount Milestone 31 March 2006  Headcount Milestone 31 March 2007  Headcount Milestone 31 March 2008 
			 Jobcentre Plus 82,067 71,222 71,100 68,550 66,700 
			 Child Support Agency 10,928 11,034 11,350 10,650 9,600 
			 Disability Carers Service 7,263 6,398 6,500 6,050 5,600 
			 The Rent Service 0 674 750 650 200 
			 The Pension Service 19,890 13,846 14,650 13,800 9,600 
			 Appeals Service 850 759 800 0 0 
			 Corporate Human Resources 1,681 1,563 1,450 1,300 1,100 
			 Group Finance 5,814 5,745 6,000 5,500 5,000 
			 PSD 1,207 446 500 450 450 
			 Other Corporate and Shared Services 1,279 1,402 1,500 1,400 1,300 
			 WWEG 1,204 1,180 1,150 1,050 1,000 
			 Pensions Client Directorate 360 498 550 550 550 
			 Contingency n/a n/a 0 0 1,450 
			 DWP totals 132,543 114,767 116,300 109,950 102,550 
			  Notes: 1. These profiles are indicative and subject to review.  2. Profiles rounded to nearest 50 FTEs.  3. Other Corporate and Shared Services include—ID, CCSAD, LGSPG, Private Office, Communications and the ISBs.  4. The milestone figures do not include additional headcount (approx. 850) for new work (relating to Incapacity Benefits Reform, New Deal Plus Pilots, Administration of the Growth and 50/50/50 Funds and the Affordable Credit Deduction Scheme) that is outside of the Department's efficiency challenge.  Glossary: FTE—full time equivalent WWEG—Work, Welfare and Equality Group PSD—Programme and System Delivery ID—Information Directorate ISBs—Independent Statutory Bodies CCSAD—Cross Cutting Strategy Analysis Directorate LSPG—Law, Governance and Special Policy Group  Version: 7 rev

Housing Benefit

Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of housing benefit claimants who are  (a) private tenants,  (b) housing association tenants and  (c) local authority tenants receive housing benefit payments which equate to less than 100 per cent. of their rent.

James Plaskitt: The most recent available information is in the table.
	
		
			  Percentage of housing benefit claimants whose benefit entitlement is less than their eligible rent, by tenure: Great Britain, May 2004 
			   Percentage 
			 Private tenants 23.3 
			 Registered social landlord tenants 21.2 
			 Local authority tenants 21.6 
			  Notes:  1. Percentages are rounded to one decimal place.  2. Figures exclude any housing benefit extended-payment cases.  3. The data refers to benefit units, which may be a single person or a couple.  4. Registered social landlords include housing associations (Housing Act 1996, section 2(1)). 5. A claimant's eligible rent may be less than their contractual rent.  Source:  Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Management Information System, annual 1 per cent. sample, taken in May 2004.

Income Support

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what information he collates on the accuracy of income support calculations.

James Plaskitt: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. She will write to the hon. Member.
	 Letter from Lesley Strathie:
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what information he collates on the accuracy of Income Support calculations. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	Jobcentre Plus carries out accuracy checks on Income Support calculations at national and at local site level.
	Data is collected nationally to measure progress towards our benefit delivery target. This target supports Jobcentre Plus in delivering our key business processes efficiently, accurately and to agreed standards. Performance is measured in five key Jobcentre Plus processes, including the accurate processing of Income Support claims. We currently have a target of 90 per cent accuracy. The latest performance figure for Income Support accuracy to the end of March 2006 is 89.39 per cent. Full claims checks of a sample of cases are made by a specialist external team 3 times a year.
	Data is also collected internally at a local level. The data collected includes random accuracy checks of staff work, with 100 per cent accuracy checks of the work of new staff after they have been trained. An accuracy database has been designed for the simple and accurate recording of the checks detailing any errors found.
	I hope this is helpful.

Job Vacancies

Edward Miliband: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average number of job vacancies recorded at job centres in each ward in Doncaster North was in  (a) 1984,  (b) 1994,  (c) 2004 and  (d) the most recent period for which figures are available.

Anne McGuire: Information on Jobcentre Plus vacancy data at ward level is only available from April 2004 and is set out in the following table.
	
		
			  Doncaster North Parliamentary Constituency 
			   Average number of 'live' unfilled vacancies on the register on any given day 
			  Ward  2004  2006 
			 Adwick 130 30 
			 Askern 50 20 
			 Bentley Central 100 60 
			 Bentley North Road 70 60 
			 Stainforth 170 60 
			 Thorne 240 70 
			  Source: Jobcentre Plus Labour Market System.

Labour Statistics

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many job vacancies were on the register on average at job centres in Tamworth constituency in each year between 2001 and 2005; and if he will make a statement.

Anne McGuire: Jobcentre Plus vacancy data by parliamentary constituency is only available from April 2004 and is set out in the table.
	
		
			  Tamworth Parliamentary Constituency 
			   Average number of 'live' unfilled vacancies on the register on any given day 
			 2004 1,740 
			 2005 1,130 
			  Source:  Jobcentre Plus Labour Market System

Labour Statistics

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what action his Department is taking to increase the numbers of people in work aged 50 years and over in Hartlepool constituency.

Jim Murphy: Like all other customers, people aged 50 and over can benefit from the range of services provided by Jobcentre Plus, including access to jobs and help and support to find work.
	Additional help is provided to older people who do not find work quickly. New Deal 50 plus is a voluntary programme that provides people with advice and guidance from personal advisers, and access to in-work financial help through the 50 plus element of the working tax credit. Since April 2000, the programme has been successful in helping more than 150,000 older workers into employment, including 320 people in Hartlepool. Once in work, New Deal 50 plus customers can claim a training grant of up to £1,500 for training of which up to £300 can be used for life-long learning.
	People aged 50 and over, including those in Hartlepool, are also eligible for help from New Deal 25 plus. People who have been claiming jobseeker's allowance (JSA) for 18 months and who have not previously participated in New Deal 25 plus are already required to attend the Gateway stage of the New Deal 25 plus programme. This is a period of up to four months of intensive job search and specialist help and support to improve job prospects. This is followed by the intensive activity period (IAP) which is currently voluntary for people aged 50 and over. The IAP provides further support and pre-work training to help people return to work.
	Since April 2004, we have been piloting mandatory participation in the New Deal 25 plus IAP for people aged 50 to 59 who have been claiming JSA for 18 months. The pilot has offered people in this age group more extensive help back to work. Hartlepool was not part of the pilot. However, interim pilot data has yielded positive results and, as announced in our Welfare Reform Green Paper, we will be commencing a phased national rollout.
	New Deal 50 plus is a voluntary programme for those who have been claiming benefits, including those claiming the pension credit, for six months. However, our Green Paper also announced our intention to pilot mandatory participation in New Deal 50 plus activities for people aged 50 to 59 who have been claiming JSA for six months. This will involve attendance at work-focused interviews and the development of action plans to help participants move into employment. Pilot locations have not yet been confirmed.
	In spring 2005 there were 3 million people claiming incapacity benefits in Great Britain, of whom 1.3 million were aged 50 or over. As nearly half of all benefit claimants aged 50 or over are on IB, they will be able to benefit from the rollout of the successful Pathways to Work service across the whole country which will be completed by 2008. Pathways offers new IB customers early support from skilled personal advisers and direct access to a "Choices Package" of employment programmes and clear financial incentives to make work pay. Any IB customer will be able to access the support and help available on a voluntary basis. Pathways has already begun helping people in the Hartlepool area, having rolled out there last year.
	Our Age Positive campaign works with employers and others to promote the business benefits of an age diverse workforce and best practice on age in recruitment, training and promotion. In May 2005 we launched the 'Be Ready' national information campaign to raise employer awareness of, and ability to adopt, flexible employment and retirement opportunities to support the recruitment and retention of older workers in advance of age legislation due in October 2006.

Pension Credit

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people have received back payments of pension credit of  (a) £1,000 to £1,999 and  (b) £2,000 or more in each year since 2001.

James Purnell: The information requested is not available.

Pension Credit

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the pension credit caseload handled by the Pensions Service was during  (a) January,  (b) February,  (c) March and  (d) April 2006.

James Purnell: The information requested is not available; caseload figures are published on a quarterly basis each year.
	The most recent early caseload estimates available are for February 2006. As at February 2006, there were 2,706,200 pension credit claimants in Great Britain.
	 Notes:
	1. These figures are early estimates. Caseload figures are taken from the CMS scan at 17 February 2006, rated up to give end-month estimates. These are adjusted using the historical relationship between Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study (WPLS) and GMS data to give an estimate of the final WPLS figure.
	2. Caseload figures are a count of the number of pension credit claims in payment at a given time.
	3. Caseloads are rounded to the nearest hundred.
	 Source:
	DWP Information Directorate: 100 per cent. data from the Generalised Matching Service (QMS).

Women Pensioners

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many women who are eligible to claim state retirement pension at 60 have not done so.

James Purnell: The information is not available in the format requested. However, it is estimated that approximately 15,000 women each year are eligible to but do not claim their state pension at age 60, but do so subsequently.
	 Note:
	Estimates pre-date the introduction of more general deferral arrangement from April 2005 which may encourage more women to defer claiming their state pension.
	 Source:
	GAD estimates based on DWP five per cent. administrative data.

Work (Over-50s)

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what action his Department is taking to increase the number of people in work aged 50 years and over in Denton and Reddish constituency.

Jim Murphy: Like all other customers, people aged 50 and over can benefit from the range of services provided by Jobcentre Plus, including access to jobs and help and support to find work.
	Additional help is provided to older people who do not find work quickly. New Deal 50 plus is a voluntary programme that provides people with advice and guidance from personal advisers, and access to in-work financial help through the 50 plus element of the working tax credit. Since April 2000, the programme has been successful in helping more than 150,000 older workers into employment, including 240 people in Denton and Reddish. Once in work, New Deal 50 plus customers can claim a training grant of up to £1,500 for training of which up to £300 can be used for life-long learning.
	People aged 50 and over, including those in Denton and Reddish, are also eligible for help from New Deal 25 plus. People who have been claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) for 18 months and who have not previously participated on New Deal 25 plus are already required to attend the Gateway stage of the New Deal 25 plus programme. This is a period of up to four months of intensive job search and specialist help and support to improve job prospects. This is followed by the intensive activity period (IAP) which is currently voluntary for people aged 50 and over. The IAP provides further support and pre-work training to help people return to work.
	Since April 2004, we have been piloting mandatory participation in the New Deal 25 plus IAP for people aged 50-59 who have been claiming JSA for 18 months. The pilot has offered people in this age group more extensive help back to work. Denton and Reddish was not part of the pilot; however, interim pilot data has yielded positive results and, as announced in our Welfare Reform Green Paper, we will be commencing a phased national rollout.
	New Deal 50 plus is a voluntary programme for those who have been claiming benefits, including those claiming the pension credit, for six months. However, our Green Paper also announced our intention to pilot mandatory participation in New Deal 50 plus activities for people aged 50-59 who have been claiming JSA for six months. This will involve attendance at work-focused interviews and the development of action plans to help participants move into employment. Pilot locations have not yet been confirmed.
	In spring 2005 there were 3 million people claiming incapacity benefits in Great Britain, of whom 1.3 million were aged 50 or over. As nearly half of all benefit claimants aged 50 or over are on IB, they will be able to benefit from the rollout of the successful Pathways to Work service across the whole country which will be completed by 2008. Pathways offers new IB customers early support from skilled personal advisers and direct access to a 'Choices Package' of employment programmes and clear financial incentives to make work pay. Any IB customer will be able to access the support and help available on a voluntary basis. Pathways is due to roll out in the Denton and Reddish area in the future.
	Our Age Positive Campaign works with employers and others to promote the business benefits of an age diverse workforce and best practice on age in recruitment, training and promotion. In May 2005 we launched the 'Be Ready' national information campaign to raise employer awareness of, and ability to adopt, flexible employment and retirement opportunities to support the recruitment and retention of older workers in advance of age legislation due in October 2006.

Work Incentives

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to review the structure of  (a) housing benefit and  (b) council tax benefit in order to improve work incentives; and if he will make a statement.

James Plaskitt: We continue to keep work incentives in both benefits under review. For example, since April 2004 a move into work has no longer required a fresh claim for either housing benefit or council tax benefit for the vast majority of people. Also, from April 2004 the extended payment scheme in housing benefit and council tax benefit has been widened to include people moving off incapacity benefit or severe disablement allowance because they are starting work.
	As outlined in the Green Paper "A New Deal for Welfare: Empowering People to Work" published in February, we propose to roll out the new local housing allowance to tenants in the private rented sector. The local housing allowance would be a major simplification of the housing benefit system which would make it easier for people to understand what in-work support they could receive. Our proposal to pay the local housing allowance directly to tenants, rather than to landlords, is also designed to promote financial inclusion and, where appropriate, help tenants develop financial and budgeting skills as they move towards work.

TREASURY

Birds

Shona McIsaac: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many birds were imported into the  (a) UK and  (b) EU in each year between 2000 and 2005; and how many were of (i) wild-caught, (ii) captive-bred, (iii) ranched and (iv) farmed origin in each year.

Ben Bradshaw: I have been asked to reply.
	I will write to my hon. Friend and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

HEALTH

Abortions

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research her Department has  (a) undertaken and  (b) evaluated on the number of women who died following complications from a legal abortion; when her Department last undertook an evidence review of the number of women who died following complications from a legal abortion that drew on (i) UK and (ii) international research; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: The confidential inquiry into maternal and child health (CEMACH) investigates all maternal deaths, including those following a legal abortion, and publishes an evidence-based report, for the United Kingdom (UK), every three years. The latest report, "Why Mothers Die 2000-02", is available on its website at:
	www.cemach.org.uk
	The next report for 2003-05 will be published in late summer 2007. CEMACH continues to draw on all relevant UK and international research and the report's findings inform clinical guidelines on abortion care.

Acute Hospitals

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research she has commissioned into single-bed room provision in acute hospitals with particular reference to  (a) additional capital costs,  (b) patient stays and  (c) patient safety.

Andy Burnham: The Department has commissioned research into single bedroom provision in acute hospitals, which includes references to additional capital costs, patient stays and patient safety.
	Details of this research commissioned by the Department are shown in the table.
	
		
			  Project  Status 
			 "Architectural Environment and Patient Health Outcomes Database"—a comprehensive literature review which includes specific references to single bedroom provision. Available on the Department's knowledge and information portal (KIP) at www.dh.gov.uk 
			   
			 "Independent validation of isolation room design, commissioning and operation"—research to examine the performance of a new isolation room design in relation to patient safety specifically addressing the control of airflow and accordingly airborne infections. Due for completion September 2006 
			   
			 "What is the size and nature of the current need for single room isolation in hospital and how does success or failure to isolate patients affect the control of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)?"—assessment of a national health service facility. Subject to peer review 
			   
			 "Providing single rooms for patients—a Study of the benefits to patients & staff within NHS in England"—specifically addresses flexibility, infection control and patient focus in three NHS facilities. Available on the Department's KIP at www.dh.gov.uk 
			   
			 "One patient one room—Theory and Practice. An evaluation of Leeds Nuffield Hospital" —discusses the case for single bedroom accommodation including costs, occupancy, staffing and reduction of infections. Available on the Department's KIP at www.dh.gov.uk 
			   
			 "Ward layouts with single rooms and space for flexibility"—an examination of the benefits of single rooms in acute hospital accommodation, establishing the minimum space requirements around the hospital bed. Available on the Department's KIP at www.dh.gov.uk 
			   
			 "The Cost Effectiveness of Hospital Design: Options to improve patient safety and well-being"—includes an evaluation of single rooms. Commenced 1 April 2006—due for completion 31 March 2008

Alcohol Treatment Services

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the scheme to establish alcohol health workers in accident and emergency departments, general practitioner surgeries and some criminal justice settings announced in November 2005 will begin.

Caroline Flint: This scheme is an aspect of a series of trailblazer pilot sites to be implemented in 24 dedicated sites. We are in discussion with strategic health authorities as to how they can be delivered and when they will begin.

Alcohol Treatment Services

Lynda Waltho: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the recent Alcohol Needs Assessment Research Project report, what steps she is taking  (a) to address the gap identified between the provision of alcohol treatment and demand and  (b) to increase access to and capacity of specialist alcohol treatment services.

Caroline Flint: Responsibility to improve services and fund service improvements rests with local primary care trusts.
	In order to assist local commissioners the Department published the Alcohol Needs Assessment Research Project (ANARP) in November 2005. This is the first comprehensive study of the need for and provision of alcohol services in England.
	The Department has launched "Alcohol Misuse Interventions: Guidance on developing a local programme of improvement", for commissioners developing a local programme of improvement for local alcohol treatment services. We have also sponsored a series of regional conferences to highlight the need for improved focus on alcohol interventions.
	A comprehensive review of the evidence base for the effectiveness of alcohol treatment interventions will be published shortly, alongside guidance on "Models of Care for Alcohol Misusers", which will lay out how best to combine treatment approaches into an effective local alcohol treatment system.

Ambulance Service

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average response time for ambulances in  (a) England,  (b) each region and  (c) the Tees Valley was in each year since 1997.

Rosie Winterton: The Department collects ambulance response time data by ambulance trust rather than by geographical area, and in relation to response time requirements rather than by average response time. Therefore, the information requested is not centrally collected in the required format.
	The data that the Department does collect on ambulance response times has been published on an annual basis in the statistical bulletin, "Ambulance services, England". These documents are all available in the Library and from 1998-99. The latest data is available on the Department's website at www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/ll/36/79/04113679.pdf.
	These publications include ambulance response time data for the Tees, East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Trust, which covers Tees Valley, and for the whole of England.

Bone Marrow Donors

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps are being taken to increase the  (a) number and  (b) diversity of bone marrow donors.

Caroline Flint: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 18 May 2006,  Official Report, columns 1163-64W.

Childhood Immunisation

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps the Government are taking to improve childhood vaccination take up for families living in the most disadvantaged primary care trust areas.

Ivan Lewis: Since November 2004, the Department has taken forward a wide-ranging assessment to investigate how best to support the improvement of child and adult immunisation services through commissioning including:
	an examination of the systems and commissioning routes needed to improve access and increase low uptake; and
	a review of the way services could deliver more effectively for the people currently missing out.
	Primary care trusts' (PCTs) experience of the new commissioning routes for immunisation is still growing and there is an opportunity to share good practice on planning and service delivery using these mechanisms. In support of this, the Department has:
	prepared guidance for the wave two national purchasing pilots of alternative providers for immunisation services (referred to as the alternative personal medical services (ARMS) wave two pilots);
	developed a series of targets for local use as part of the Better Metrics project in conjunction with the London Health Observatory to allow service managers to monitor the performance of services targeted at deprived or disadvantaged groups;
	held two national events with national health service primary care contracting to share good practice and facilitate learning networks; and
	in the recent White Paper, announced measures to free up the target payment funds and allow them to be carried across into other contract forms. It also highlighted a recent example of a nurse-led personal medical services that successfully increase immunisation uptake rates among poor and deprived groups who were planning to apply for ARMS status.
	The Department is working in partnership across policy teams, NHS employers, other Government Departments (including the Department for Education and Skills, Social Exclusion Unit and Neighbourhood Renewal Unit) and a range of NHS implementing agencies in order to improve childhood immunisation take up for families. Specifically:
	continue collaboration with our stakeholder to examine the systems and commissioning routes that have worked to improve access and increase low uptake;
	requiring the Health Protection Agency to promote the benefit of opportunistic immunisation, in order to reach disadvantaged groups more effectively;
	continue to deliver a series of reports and seminars and generate concrete recommendations for PCTs and commissioners; and
	issued joint guidance with neighbourhood renewal unit on local partnerships that led to a number of PCTs and councils to submit and secure a local area agreement for immunisation among disadvantaged groups.

Childhood Immunisation

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the childhood immunisation take-up rate is in primary care trusts where GPs have opted out of providing this service.

Ivan Lewis: The information in the form requested is not available.
	There is currently no nationally available analysis of the impact of those general practitioners opting out on immunisation uptake rates.
	Recent analysis of the proportion of general medical services partnerships in England opting out of childhood immunisation schemes as at 30 September 2004 showed that though the majority of partnerships (93.7 per cent.) had not opted out, some had. The practices opting out are disproportionately likely to be in deprived areas.

Children's Hospices

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Health on how many occasions  (a) she and  (b) Ministers in her Department have visited children's hospices on official business in each of the last five years; and which hospices were visited on each occasion.

Ivan Lewis: This information is not available in the format requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	Since May 2005, no Departmental Minister has yet visited a children's hospice on official business. In a series of meetings with doctors and other representatives from hospices, the former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Hodge Hill (Mr. Byrne), met with doctors and representatives of Butterwick Hospice on 14 February and Little Havens Children's Hospice on 9 May.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent commitment the Government have made to support the work of specialist services for  (a) myalgic encephalomyelitis and encephalopathy and  (b) chronic fatigue syndrome; and if she will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: In 2003, the Department announced £8.5 million central funding to stimulate improvements in care and access to treatment and to ensure the long-term continuing provision of services for people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/encephalopathy and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) across England. This resulted in the development of 13 clinical network co-ordinating centres and 36 local multi-disciplinary teams, as well as 11 specialist children and young people teams to support the development of multi-disciplinary CFS/ME services in their designated area.
	Funding of these services from 2006-07 is included within the resource allocations to primary care trusts (PCTs), to facilitate the continuation of services following the end of the ring-fenced period of funding. CFS/ME services are therefore considered as part of the future local planning of services and PCTs can take steps to ensure the establishment of further CFS/ME services, where there is local need.
	National health service organisations are expected to demonstrate that they are making progress towards achieving the level of service quality described in the national service framework (NSF) for long-term conditions. The NSF sets out a clear vision of how health and social care organisations can improve the quality of care, consistency and responsiveness of their services and help improve the lives of people with neurological conditions, including CFS/ME. The Healthcare Commission and the Commission for Social Care Inspection can undertake performance reviews to assess progress on local implementation of the NSF.

Community Nursing

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS trusts are operating a freeze on community nursing vacancies.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not collected centrally.

Consultations

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many public consultations her Department undertook in 2005; and what the cost was  (a) in total and  (b) of each consultation.

Ivan Lewis: During the year 2005 the Department launched 47 formal public consultations in order to inform the Department's policy development.
	Information on the cost of each consultation and the total cost of all consultations could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Report

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research her Department  (a) has undertaken and  (b) plans to undertake into the reasons for the slippage of targets (i) 3 and (ii) 4 set out on page 13 of the Departmental Report 2006; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: The "Saving Lives: Our Healthier Nation" White Paper (1999) set out targets to reduce rates of death and serious injury from accidents by 2010. Analysis of the data suggests that the 65 and over age group accounts for the main part of the increase in the death rate from accidents, and in hospital admissions for serious accidental injury. Falls account for the main part of the increase in death rates in this group, and are the major contributor to the increase in admissions for serious accidental injury in this group. The Department is keeping the targets under review to ensure that areas of slippage are dealt with as appropriate.

Departmental Report

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health who is responsible for progress on each of the targets set out on pages 13 and 14 of the Departmental Report 2006; to whom each person reports; what recent discussions she has had about implementation of each target; and if she will make a statement.

Andy Burnham: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health has overall responsibility for delivering the targets set out in the Department's public service agreement. She is supported in delivering her functions through the Department. The Secretary of State has regular meetings with the Permanent Secretary, the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Executive, to apprise her of progress against targets and other matters.

Departmental Report

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many copies of the Departmental Report 2006 were printed; at what cost; how many were purchased for  (a) internal departmental use,  (b) NHS primary care trusts and  (c) interested bodies and organisations; and if she will make a statement.

Andy Burnham: 1,200 copies of the 2006 Departmental Report were printed, at a total cost of £23,551. Half were for internal departmental use and the remainder were for The Stationery Office. None were sent to national health service bodies.

Drug Strategy

John Penrose: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the Government have spent on the Drug Strategy in each year since it was introduced; and how much of that sum was spent on  (a) purchasing programmes of treatment and  (b) staff systems and other costs relating to overseeing its expenditure in each year.

Ivan Lewis: Annual direct expenditure for tackling drugs for the last five years for which figures are available is shown in the second column of table 1. We are unable to provide information regarding monies spent on purchasing programmes of treatment and staff systems in the format requested. However, the pooled drug treatment budget (PTB) since 2001, including yearly local mainstream spend, is shown in total in table 1. This money is spent directly on delivery treatment, as well as improving access to treatment, for example for offenders via drug intervention programmes, and supporting drug misusers after they come out of treatment.
	
		
			  Table 1 
			  £ million 
			   PTB and local funding  Annual direct expenditure for tackling drugs 
			 2001-02 287 932 
			 2002-03 322 1,026 
			 2003-04 436 1,244 
			 2004-05 457 1,344 
			 2005-06 508 1,483

Emergency Treatment

John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what working definitions are used for  (a) accident and emergency departments,  (b) walk-in centres and  (c) minor injuries units for the purposes of determining which procedures are carried out in each.

Rosie Winterton: Accident and emergency (A&E) departments are officially classified into three types. The types include major departments (type one), single-specialty departments (type two) and non consultant-led services (type three). Type three services are mainly minor injury and illness and include minor injury units (MIUs) and walk-in centres (WiCs).
	The services which it is clinically appropriate for any individual A&E department, MIU or WiC to provide are a matter for local clinical judgement according to local skills and competencies.

Enzyme Replacement Therapy

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 9 May 2006,  Official Report, column 217W, on enzyme replacement therapy, when she expects a decision to be made on whether the funding of enzyme replacement therapies for lysosomal storage diseases will continue under the present National Specialist Commissioning Advisory Group arrangements after 31 May 2007.

Andy Burnham: It has not yet been decided when a decision will be made on whether the funding of enzyme replacement therapies for lysosomal storage disorders will continue under the present national specialist commissioning advisory group arrangements after 31 May 2007.

Fairer Charging Policy

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if she will make a statement on the implementation of the Fairer Charging Policy for care payments;
	(2)  what mechanisms exist to ensure that social care charges to individuals do not exceed the income they receive.

Ivan Lewis: It is for councils to decide how to set charges for non-residential social services. The legal basis is that charges generally should be 'reasonable' and that no one should be asked to pay more than they reasonably can. The position contrasts with that on charges for residential care, where regulations prescribe a national means test, which councils must follow.
	The Department of Health issued statutory guidance, "Fairer Charging Policies for Home Care and other Non-residential Social Services—Guidance for Councils with Social Services Responsibilities", which is available in the Library, to all local councils in November 2001. It was amended in September 2003 to reflect the introduction of pension credits. It does not seek to change councils' power to charge, or not, for these services.
	The guidance aims to ensure in particular that service users on low incomes are protected from charging and that any charges levied on disability benefits are subject to an assessment of disability costs, to ensure their reasonableness. Councils are required to ensure that charges do not put any users' incomes below basic income support levels or the guarantee credit of pension credit, plus a buffer of 25 per cent. This can lead to real improvements in the position of many users, who will cease to pay charges or pay a smaller charge.

Folic Acid

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent research she has  (a) commissioned and  (b) evaluated on the effects of high levels of folic acid on the incidence of twins following in vitro fertilisation; and if she will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: The effects of folic acid on multiple births, including effects following in vitro fertilisation, is currently being considered by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition as part of its report on "Folate and Disease Prevention". The report is expected to be published later this year.

Food Supplements Directive

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  whether officials in her Department have held discussions with the Better Regulation Task Force on a regulatory impact assessment in relation to setting maximum permitted levels for vitamins and minerals under the food supplements directive; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  when she last met the EU Commissioner responsible for implementation of the food supplements directive to discuss its potential impact on the choice of products available to British consumers; and what progress was made at the meeting;
	(3)  what progress is being made by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in meeting counterparts from competent authorities in each other member state of the EU to discuss the setting of maximum permitted levels for vitamins and minerals under the food supplements directive; and what further action the FSA is planning to promote her objectives;
	(4)  when she expects member states to receive from the European Commission the consultation document on setting the maximum permitted levels for vitamins and minerals under the food supplements directive;
	(5)  with which other EU member states she has held recent meetings to discuss setting the maximum permitted levels for vitamins and minerals under the food supplements directive; and with which other member states she plans to hold discussions.

Caroline Flint: The issue of obtaining data for a regulatory impact assessment in relation to setting maximum levels for vitamin and minerals under the food supplements directive has been discussed with the Better Regulation Task Force (BRTF). The BRTF has agreed in principle to this and officials will discuss this further with the BRTF.
	I spoke with the European Union Commissioner responsible for implementation of the food supplements directive to discuss its potential impact on the choice of products available to British consumers on 7 and 12 July 2005.
	To date, Food Standards Agency (FSA) officials have met counterparts from other competent authorities in the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Finland, France and Italy. These meetings have provided an opportunity for an exchange of views on the setting of maximum safe levels of vitamins and minerals in food supplements. The FSA will seek further opportunities for meetings with officials from other member states and interested parties.
	The European Commission has indicated that it will present discussion documents in autumn 2006 to gain views from member states about the setting of maximum permitted levels for vitamins and minerals in food supplements.
	The Public Health Minister has written to her counterparts in other member states and members of the European Parliament informing them of the United Kingdom's position on setting maximum permitted levels, and that FSA officials will be visiting certain member states to discuss this issue and vitamins and vitamins and minerals in food supplements.

General Practitioners

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioners per 100,000 population there were in  (a) the Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust area and  (b) England in each year since 2003.

Rosie Winterton: The requested information is shown in the table.
	
		
			  General Medical Practitioners (excluding retainers and registrars)( 1)  per 100,000 head of population, for England and Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust, at 30 September 2003-2005 
			  Englandnumbers (headcount) 
			   2003  2004  2005 
			 All Practitioners (excluding retainers and registrars)(1) 30,358 31,523 32,738 
			 All Practitioners (excluding retainers and registrars)(1) per 100,000 head of population 60.9 62.9 64.9 
			  of which:
			 5M7 Sutton and Merton PCT
			 All Practitioners (excluding retainers and registrars)(1) 212 234 241 
			 All Practitioners (excluding retainers and registrars)(1) per 100,000 head of pop 57.3 63.3 65.2 
			 (1) General medical practitioners (excluding retainers and registrars) includes contracted GPs , CMS others and PMS others. Prior to September 2004 this group included GMS unrestricted principals, PMS contracted GPs, PMS salaried GPs, restricted principals, assistants, salaried doctors (Para 52 SFA), PMS other, flexible career scheme GPs and GP returners.  Note: 2004 population figures from the 2001 ONS resident estimates have been used for 2005 organisation calculations, as population figures for 2005 at organisation level are not yet available, this figure is therefore subject to change.   Source:  The Information Centre for health and social care general and personal medical services statistics 2001 ONS Population Census

Health Services (Cornwall)

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many  (a) nursing and  (b) residential care beds there are in Cornwall; and how many there were in (i) 1996, (ii) 2001 and (iii) 2005.

Caroline Flint: Table 1 shows the number of residential and nursing care home places in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, as at 31 March in 1996 and 2001.
	
		
			  Table 1: Numbers of residential and nursing care home places in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 
			  Rounded data 
			   At 31 March: 
			   1996  2001 
			 Residential places(1) 5,400 4,800 
			 Nursing places(2, 3) 2,600 3,200 
			 Total places(4) 8,000 8,000 
			 (1) Residential data are for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly unitary authorities.  (2 )Nursing data are for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly health authority. (3 )Nursing data include places in general nursing homes, mental nursing homes and private hospitals and clinics.  (4 )Totals may not equal the sum of parts due to rounding. 
		
	
	I understand from the Chair of the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), which took over the responsibility for the regulation and inspection of care homes in England on 1 April 2004, that the number of nursing and residential care homes and beds in Cornwall Local Authority, as at 31 March 2005, was as shown in Table 2. There are some definitional differences between these data and those for years up to 2001.
	
		
			  Table 2: Numbers of care homes and places for Cornwall Local Authority  at 31 March 2005 
			  Care home type  Homes  Places 
			 Nursing 51 1,945 
			 Residential 216 3,683 
			 Total 267 5,628 
			  Source:  CSCI registration and inspection database.

Hospital Alerts

Julie Kirkbride: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will define  (a) red,  (b) black and  (c) all other hospital alerts.

Rosie Winterton: The Department is aware that some national health service trusts and ambulance trusts operate local bed capacity management systems which incorporate coloured alerts. However, these are local arrangements and there is no national definition of particular colour alerts.

Hospital Cleanliness

Ann Keen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress is being made in improving hospital cleanliness.

Andy Burnham: Hospital cleanliness is measured annually as part of the patient environment action team (PEAT) assessment. The first inspections in 2000 found around one-third of trusts to have poor or unacceptable standards. Since then there has been a steady improvement and in 2004-05, fewer than 5 per cent. were classified as poor or unacceptable. The latest PEAT inspections have recently been completed, and the results will be published in due course.
	The Department has a comprehensive and multi-faceted programme of work on cleaner hospitals covering a wide range of issues, including:
	setting standards that are monitored by the Healthcare Commission;
	increased investment;
	involving ward sisters and charge nurses;
	inspecting hospitals;
	issuing guidance;
	raising awareness; and
	research into alternative cleaning and monitoring technologies.

Hospital Transportation

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 13 March 2006,  Official Report, column 2029W, if she will collect data in respect of the frequency of transportation between hospitals of infants requiring treatment in special care baby units; and if she will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: No. In line with the principles of shifting the balance of power to local national health service organisations, we wish to minimise the burden of all central information requirements on the health service.
	It is for local neonatal networks and hospital trusts to determine the appropriate number of special care baby cots to ensure there is provision for babies requiring such care. Strategic health authority areas will increase or decrease cots to reflect demand.

Hospitals

Jim Devine: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many  (a) NHS trusts and  (b) foundation hospitals in England recorded unsafe staffing levels in 2005.

Rosie Winterton: All national health service organisations are required to ensure that they have sufficient appropriately trained staff to deliver high quality care in safe environments. Their performance in terms of safety and care environments is reviewed by the Healthcare Commission. The Department does not collect the information requested.

Hospitals

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hospitals were failing to meet Government targets in  (a) England and  (b) the boroughs of the Tees Valley sub-region in the latest month for which figures are available.

Andy Burnham: In line with the principles of devolution, the Department monitors progress against local delivery plans that strategic health authorities agree with primary care trusts. These plans are based on current Government priorities set out in "National Standards, Local Action: Health and Social Care Standards and Planning Framework 2005/06-2007/08" at SHA level.
	Individual national health service trust performance against national priorities is assessed by the independent regulator, the Healthcare Commission, through its annual performance ratings process. The latest performance ratings are available on the Healthcare Commission's website at ratings2005.healthcarecommission.org.uk/.

Human Embryos

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when her Department last undertook a review of the scientific evidence of when human life begins that drew on  (a) UK and  (b) international research; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: Under English law, a foetus is not recognised as being a separate person from its mother. It has no rights independent of its mother until it is born alive and has an independent existence.

Imported Blood Products

Jennifer Willott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when her Department became aware of the higher risk of hepatitis C contamination from imported blood products; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: The issues around the risk of haemophilia patients acquiring infection with hepatitis C through contaminated blood products are complex. We understand that there has been concern that plasma imported from the United States may have carried a higher risk of transmitting hepatitis C. However, knowledge of the viral risks associated with both domestically produced and imported blood products evolved over time.
	Blood products contain plasma pooled from many thousands of donors, and only one donation needs to carry the virus to infect the whole batch. Regardless of the source, or of the manufacturer of the plasma used, all products were potentially contaminated with the hepatitis C virus as a result of the need for pooling and the prevalence of the virus in blood donor populations around the world.

Methadone

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what alternatives to methadone are used by the NHS.

Caroline Flint: Methadone remains the main treatment of the national health service for the management of opiate dependence. The main alternative drug for management of opiate dependence is buprenorphine(1), used increasingly in the NHS since the Department amended regulations in April 2001 to enable practitioners to prescribe the drug for opiate dependence safely through instalment dispensing.
	Patients may also be prescribed pharmaceutical diamorphine, and in a small number of cases alternative opiates such as clonidine and lofexidine to substitute for illicit opiate use, with decisions based on clinical judgement for each particular case.
	As part of the Government's ongoing commitment to ensuring drug treatment is delivered in a way that maximises the potential for a successful outcome, the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence is currently conducting a review of the effectiveness of methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone in the treatment of drug misusers, due for publication in March 2007.
	Although outcomes generally are better for those who remain on opiate substitution treatment, there has been an increase in focus on commissioning effective support for patients who are ready to benefit from abstinence-based approaches to optimise such treatment pathways. Rehabilitation services or aftercare support are available for those opiate-dependent drug users who can successfully become drug-free and who no longer require treatments such as methadone.
	(1) Marketing Authorisation, Subutex

Milk Tokens

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate she has made of the level of take up of milk tokens by pregnant women.

Caroline Flint: Data are not collected on the number of pregnant women who may be eligible for free milk under the welfare food scheme. There are approximately 25,500 pregnant women currently in receipt of milk tokens. Promotion of the new Healthy Start scheme planned for late autumn this year is expected at least to maintain the current claim volumes.

Ministerial Visits

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what the total cost was of overnight accommodation for Ministers of State in her Department on foreign visits in each of the last three years;
	(2)  on how many occasions Ministers of State in her Department stayed overnight in  (a) five star,  (b) four star and  (c) three star hotels on foreign visits in each of the last three years.

Ivan Lewis: This information cannot be supplied without disproportionate costs.
	Under the terms of the "Ministerial Code" and "Travel by Ministers", when travelling on official business Ministers are expected to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements.
	Since 1999 the Government have published an annual list of all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing £500 or more during each financial year. This information includes accommodation costs. Copies are available in the Library.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps the Department is taking to ensure effective medical education in the diagnosis and treatment of myalgic  (a) encephalomyelitis and  (b) encephalopathy.

Rosie Winterton: Medical schools develop their own undergraduate medical curriculum in the light of recommendations from the General Medical Council's Education Committee, which has statutory responsibility to determine the extent of knowledge and skill required for the granting of primary medical qualifications in the United Kingdom (UK). The Department does not provide direction on the content of medical school courses. Medical schools are autonomous bodies and Ministers are precluded by legislation from intervening in their internal affairs, including curriculum content.
	The content and standard of postgraduate medical training is the responsibility of the postgraduate medical education and training board, which is the competent authority for postgraduate medical training in the UK.

NHS Commissioning

Roger Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when her Department's taskforce will publish its review of NHS commissioning of specialised services.

Andy Burnham: The report of the review of commissioning arrangements for specialised services was published on the Department's website and is available at www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/13/52/16/04135216.pdf.
	Copies are being placed in the Library.

NHS Finance

Kitty Ussher: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to ensure consistent standards of patient care in hospital trusts seeking to recover from financial deficit.

Andy Burnham: All areas of the country have received record increases in their level of funding for the national health service. Funding of the NHS has increased from £34.7 billion in 1997-98 to £69.7 billion in 2004-05. By 2007-08, spending on the NHS will have increased to over £92 billion. This level of investment should enable NHS organisations to deliver key national and financial targets.
	Priorities for the NHS are set out in "National Standards, Local Action: Health and Social Care Standards and Planning Framework 2005/06-2007/08", which is available on the Department's website at:
	www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/08/60/58/04086058.pdf
	These include details of health care standards, existing commitments and new national targets. All NHS organisations are expected to meet these priorities and achieve financial balance. The independent regulator, the Healthcare Commission, assesses health care organisations' performance against these priorities, including financial balance.

NHS Management

Francis Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the turnover rate for NHS trust  (a) chief executives,  (b) chairmen and  (c) senior managers was in each year for which records are available.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not collected centrally.

NHS Trusts

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the NHS trusts that have funded visits abroad for staff in the last 12 months; and in each case what was the  (a) purpose and  (b) cost of each trip.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not held centrally.

NHS Trusts

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many chief executives were recruited to NHS trusts in 2005;
	(2)  how many of the chief executives recruited to NHS trusts in 2005  (a) were head hunted and  (b) applied for advertised vacancies;
	(3)  how many of the chief executives recruited to NHS trusts in 2005 came from a background predominantly in the private sector.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not collected centrally.

Pharmaceutical Wholesalers

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if she will take steps to amend the Medicines Act 1969 to require the Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency to inspect the warehouses and operations of companies which self-distribute medicines and drugs;
	(2)  if she will require the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency to extend its inspection role to cover companies which self-distribute medicines and drugs and which are not covered by the requirement of the Medicines Act 1968.

Andy Burnham: The Medicines Act 1968, as amended, and orders and regulations under that Act, regulate the distribution of medicinal products in the United Kingdom. These provisions transpose into the United Kingdom's law the relevant requirements of Directive 2001/83/EC relating to medicinal products for human use.
	Companies wishing to wholesale distribute medicines for human use are required, under the Act and related regulations, to be licensed and inspected by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) unless an exemption applies.
	The term self-distribute, in relation to medicines for human use, is not a term used or defined in Directive 2001/83/EC or the United Kingdom medicines legislation, or in official guidance published by the MHRA.
	The supply of medicines from a company's central distribution warehouse to its own retail outlets is not considered to be wholesale distribution as the supply is within the same legal entity.
	The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain is therefore responsible for the inspection of retail pharmacy businesses in England and Wales at which medicinal products are sold by retail or supplied in circumstances corresponding to retail.

Pharmaceutical Wholesalers

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many and what percentage of pharmaceutical wholesaler dealer licence holders have been inspected by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency within the target period of three years;
	(2)  how many inspectors the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has available to inspect pharmaceutical wholesaler licence holders; and how many inspections each inspector has carried out in each of the last three years.

Andy Burnham: The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the Government body responsible for the safety and licensing of medicines in the United Kingdom, employs six full-time good distribution practice inspectors. These inspectors inspect the facilities of licensed wholesale dealers of medicines to confirm compliance with the European Commission's guideline on good distribution practice and UK medicines regulations.
	The current level of resource enables a regular and repeated inspection programme (at specified frequencies) of all (100 per cent.) of the facilities from where licensed wholesale distributors of medicinal products conduct their wholesale business to be maintained.
	Details for the last three years of the numbers of inspections performed by good distribution practice inspectors is shown in the table:
	
		
			   Number of inspections 
			  Inspector  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06 
			 1 36 82 73 
			 2 63 85 80 
			 3 65 85 82 
			 4 61 83 87 
			 5 61 79 81 
			 6 (1)— (1)— (2)— 
			 Total 302 414 403 
			 (1) Not in post (2) Training 
		
	
	For the year 2003-04 an additional GDP inspector was employed. This inspector performed 16 site inspections which are included in the totals for that year.

Prescription Charges

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will estimate the annual increase in revenue if prescription charges had been increased in line with the rise in the retail price index since the present level of charges was established.

Andy Burnham: The information available in respect of England is shown in the table.
	
		
			  Estimated change in revenue from prescription charges and pre-payment certificate fees if these had been increase in line with inflation. 
			   Change in revenue (£ million) 
			 1971 -6.0 
			 1972 1.5 
			 1973 2.1 
			 1974 3.8 
			 1975 5.7 
			 1976 3.1 
			 1977 3.4 
			 1978 1.8 
			 1979 -15.8 
			 1980 -17.9 
			 1981 -16.7 
			 1982 -15.4 
			 1983 -2.3 
			 1984 -8.7 
			 1985 -17.5 
			 1986 -8.0 
			 1987 -6.1 
			 1988 -3.4 
			 1989 -0.1 
			 1990 3.1 
			 1991 -12.4 
			 1992 -12.3 
			 1993 -22.4 
			 1994 -20.1 
			 1995 -15.0 
			 1996 -6.2 
			 1997 2.7 
			 1998 1.8 
			 1999 -2.2 
			 2000 6.1 
			 2001 0.1 
			 2002 0.2

Primary Care Trusts

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many public responses there were to proposals for primary care trust reorganisation in  (a) Trent,  (b) South Yorkshire and  (c) England;
	(2)  how many members of the general public attended each primary care trust reorganisation meeting in  (a) Trent and  (b) South Yorkshire.

Andy Burnham: The information regarding responses to local consultations on primary care trust reconfiguration and attendance at public meetings is as follows.
	
		
			   PCTs 
			   Trent  South Yorkshire  England 
			 Stakeholder meetings 29 42 830 
			 Public attendance 860 69 11,785 
			 Responses 5,479 200 17,104 
			 Consultation documents 17,000 2,529 121,819 
			 Consultation document download 0 839 22,533 
			 Leaflet drops 0 0 152,300 
			 Petition 7,351 11,271 29,556

Primary Care Trusts

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether any financial surplus of the Bedford Primary Care Trust will be used to subsidise the financial deficit of the Bedfordshire Heartlands Primary Care Trust following the implementation of the new configuration of primary care trusts in Bedfordshire; and if she will make a statement.

Andy Burnham: It will be for strategic health authorities and the newly formed primary care trusts to manage, and continue to use, the funding available to them in the best possible way to deliver government targets and make service improvements.
	The reconfiguration exercise should not be used locally to move resources from high performing areas to under-performing areas and vice versa. Local managers should be ensuring that the quality of financial management in all organisations is raised to the level of the best.

Private Finance Initiative Projects

David Gauke: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list reviews the Department is undertaking of private finance initiative projects; and whether she expects the review to affect the timescale for the project in each case.

Andy Burnham: Departmental officials will be reviewing all private finance initiative schemes yet to reach financial close and with an expected capital value of more than £75 million. The current list of such schemes is as follows:
	University Hospital North Staffordshire National Health Service Trust
	Essex Rivers Healthcare NHS Trust
	Peterborough and Stamford Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
	Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust
	University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
	Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust
	North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust
	Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Trust
	Tameside and Glossop NHS Trust
	Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust
	Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
	South Devon Healthcare NHS Trust
	Tees and North East Yorkshire NHS Trust
	Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust
	The Hillingdon Hospital NHS Trust
	North West London Hospitals NHS Trust
	North Bristol NHS Trust
	Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust
	Mersey Care NHS Trust
	Royal Wolverhampton Hospital NHS Trust
	Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust
	United Bristol Healthcare NHS Trust
	Whipps Cross University Hospital NHS Trust
	Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
	East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust
	West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust
	Southend Hospital NHS Trust
	Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital NHS Trust
	Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
	Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals NHS Trusts
	Epsom and St. Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust
	Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital NHS Trust
	Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust
	Taunton and Somerset NHS Trust
	Northampton General NHS Trust
	Barnet and Chase Farm NHS Trust
	The purpose of the review process is to deliver schemes that are financially viable and sustainable over the long term. It may be that in pursuit of achieving these objectives certain schemes experience limited delays.

Promotion Boards

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what promotion boards have been held in her Department in each of the last five years.

Ivan Lewis: None. The Department assesses the suitability of employees for promotion on a job specific basis.

Small Change Big Difference

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps her Department and its agencies have taken following the launch of the Government's Small Change Big Difference campaign.

Caroline Flint: We have followed up with "small change, big difference" event guests to explore tailored options for the initiative's roll-out. A series of further seminars is being planned. They will include the development of the logo and brand, investigating possible joint campaign work, the integration of the initiative into the wider public health framework and the work of all our key stakeholders.
	A partnership programme will begin aligning key commercial and public sector partners with existing and new programme delivery, the aim being to create a number of dedicated, dynamic partnership programmes between government, commercial partners and non-governmental organisations in direct support of "Choosing Health" objectives. These partnerships will define routes to communicate with people through, for example, their place of work, as well as their local shops and during their leisure activities about making healthier choices in their lives.

Strategic Health Authorities

Francis Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many strategic health authority  (a) chief executives,  (b) chairmen and  (c) senior managers have (i) medical, (ii) dental, (iii) nursing and (iv) other qualifications and previous experience of working in the (A) private sector and (B) NHS.

Rosie Winterton: Information in respect of chief executives and senior managers is not collected centrally. The NHS Appointments Commission is responsible for appointing the chairmen of NHS organisations, a number of whom are retired clinicians. I have asked the NHS Appointments Commission to write to the right hon. Gentleman direct with the information he seeks.

Telephone Advice Lines

Andrew Love: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many telephone advice lines her Department and its non-departmental public bodies support; how many telephone advisers each employs; and how much funding is provided to each by  (a) her Department and its non-departmental public bodies,  (b) other Government Departments,  (c) the private sector and  (d) the voluntary sector.

Ivan Lewis: The Department's call centre provides information of a general nature to members of the public about the work of the Department. It responds to about 120,000 telephone calls a year and most of the emails sent through the Department's website. The annual cost is £505,715.
	There would be a disproportionate cost in identifying advice lines and funding by the Department in external bodies, since this is not ringfenced in funding given to those organisations.

Tuberculosis

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the 20 local authority areas with the highest incidence of tuberculosis; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: The 20 local authorities with the highest rates of notified cases of tuberculosis in England in the last year for which data is available are shown in the following table:
	
		
			  Local authority  2004 
			 Hackney 95.1 
			 Newham 92.0 
			 Slough Unitary Authority (UA) 68.0 
			 Brent 60.9 
			 Tower Hamlets 57.8 
			 Harrow 57.1 
			 Leicester UA 56.5 
			 Luton UA 47.3 
			 Hillingdon 47.0 
			 Islington 46.7 
			 Greenwich 45.6 
			 Blackburn with Darwen UA 42.1 
			 Wolverhampton 41.0 
			 Birmingham 40.1 
			 Ealing 38.9 
			 Manchester 38.9 
			 Waltham Forest 38.3 
			 Southwark 38.1 
			 City of Westminster 37.4 
			 Enfield 35.7 
			  Note:  Data as at 3 May 2006.  Source:  Statutory notifications of infectious diseases, Health Protection Agency. Rates shown are per 100,000 population.

United Health Europe

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many times  (a) she,  (b) her predecessor as Secretary of State and  (c) another Health Minister met representatives of United Health Europe in 2005; and what the dates were of these meetings.

Ivan Lewis: Neither the current nor the former Secretary of State for Health met representatives of United Health Europe in 2005.
	The President of United Health Europe attended a meeting where Lord Warner made a speech at the Adam Smith Institute on 4 October 2005.
	Liam Byrne met the President of United Health Europe on 27 July 2005.

Work Permit Regulations

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether her Department conducted a race equality impact assessment concerning changes to the work permit regulations as they affect medical staff.

Rosie Winterton: A partial race equality impact assessment was carried out on the proposed points- based system, which had the effect of ending permit-free training. A full one will be undertaken when the system is fully implemented.
	On advice, an REIA has not been carried out on the recent changes to the immigration rules for postgraduate doctors and dentists which brought the immigration provisions for non-European Economic Area (EEA) junior doctors and dentists into line with the immigration provisions for non-EEA nationals wanting to work in any other sector of the United Kingdom labour market.

Wound Care

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the NHS spent on training and endorsements for wound care nurses in 2005; and what assessment her Department has undertaken of the value for money obtained from the expenditure.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not collected centrally. It is for national health service trusts to decide on the skills and knowledge needed by their nursing work force in order to meet the needs of patients.

DEFENCE

Air Miles

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many free air miles have been accrued by senior civil servants in his Department on official business in each of the last three years; and how they were used.

Tom Watson: The Ministry of Defence has no central record of air miles accrued by senior civil servants and is therefore unable to provide details of how they were used. Guidance for officials requires that air miles accrued on official business are not used for private purposes.

Armed Forces (Foreign Citizens)

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many and what percentage of members of each of the armed forces are not British citizens, broken down by nationality.

Tom Watson: The number and percentage of service personnel who are not British citizens in each of HM armed forces are shown by country in the following table:
	
		
			  UK Regular Forces( 1)  with Nationality other than British at 1 April 2006 
			  Country  Naval service  Percentage of total strength  Army  Percentage of total strength  Royal Air Force( 2)  Percentage of total strength 
			 Total non-British service personnel 465 1.2 6,670 6.2 210 0.4 
			 Antigua (3)— (3)— (4)— (4)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Australia 10 (3)— 75 0.1 10 (3)— 
			 Bangladesh (4)— (4)— 5 (3)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Barbados (4)— (4)— 10 (3)— (4)— (3)— 
			 Belize (3)— (3)— (4)— (4)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Botswana (3)— (3)— 5 (3)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Cameroon (3)— (3)— 20 (3)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Canada 15 (3)— 60 0.1 20 (3)— 
			 Cyprus (4)— (4)— (4)— (4)— — (3)— 
			 Dominican Republic (4)— (4)— 10 (3)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Egypt (3)— (3)— (3)— (3)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Eire 50 0.1 215 0.2 60 0.1 
			 Falkland Islands (3)— (3)— (4)— (4)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Fiji 75 0.2 1,995 1.8 5 (3)— 
			 France (3)— (3)— (4)— (4)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Gambia (4)— (4)— 80 0.1 (4)— (3)— 
			 Germany(5) (4)— (4)— (4)— (4)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Ghana (4)— (4)— 660 0.6 (4)— (3)— 
			 Gibraltar — — (4)— (4)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Grenada (4)— (4)— 50 (3)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Guyana (3)— (3)— 15 (3)— (3)— (3)— 
			 India 5 (3)— 45 (3)— (4)— (3)— 
			 Jamaica 25 0.1 975 0.9 25 0.1 
			 Kenya 5 (3)— 105 0.1 5 (3)— 
			 Malawi (4)— (4)— 95 0.1 (4)— (3)— 
			 Malaysia (4)— (4)— 5 (3)— (4)— (3)— 
			 Malta (4)— (4)— 5 (3)— (4)— (3)— 
			 Mauritius (4)— (4)— 25 (3)— (4)— (3)— 
			 Montserrat (3)— (3)— (4)— (4)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Namibia (3)— (3)— (4)— (4)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Nepal (3)— (3)— 30 (3)— (3)— (3)— 
			 New Zealand 5 (3)— 65 0.1 5 (3)— 
			 Nigeria (4)— (4)— 65 0.1 (3)— (3)— 
			 Other West Indies (4)— (4)— (4)— (4)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Pakistan (4)— (4)— 10 (3)— (4)— (3)— 
			 Papua New Guinea (3)— (3)— (4)— (4)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Seychelles (3)— (3)— 10 (3)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Sierra Leone (3)— (3)— 45 (3)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Singapore (3)— (3)— (4)— (4)— (3)— (3)— 
			 South Africa 45 0.1 720 0.7 10 (3)— 
			 Sri Lanka (3)— (3)— 15 (3)— (3)— (3)— 
			 St. Helena (4)— (4)— 20 (3)— 5 (3)— 
			 St. Kitts and Nevis (3)— (3)— (4)— (4)— (4)— (3)— 
			 St. Lucia 5 (3)— 225 0.2 (4)— (3)— 
			 St. Vincent 130 0.3 280 0.3 (4)— (3)— 
			 Swaziland (3)— (3)— 10 (3)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Switzerland (3)— (3)— (4)— (4)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Tanzania (3)— (3)— (4)— (4)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Tonga (3)— (3)— 5 (3)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Trinidad 20 — 70 0.1 10 (3)— 
			 Uganda — — 40 (3)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Ukraine (4)— (4)— (3)— (3)— (3)— (3)— 
			 United Arab Emirates 10 (3)— (3)— (3)— (3)— (3)— 
			 USA (4)— (4)— (4)— (4)— (4)— (3)— 
			 Zambia (4)— (4)— 20 (3)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Zimbabwe(6) 15 — 565 0.5 5 (3)— 
			 Other West Indies (4)— (4)— (4)— (4)— (3)— (3)— 
			 Other Non-British(7) (3)— (3)— 20 (3)— 10 (3)— 
			 Not known/stateless 505 1.3 25 (3)— (8)75 0.2 
			 (1 )Data are for UK regular forces (trained and untrained), including nursing services and excluding full time reserve service personnel, Gurkhas, the home service battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment and mobilised reservists. (2) Royal Air Force data are for personnel serving at 6 March 2006. They include personnel who at that date had attested but have not begun basic training. (3) Denotes zero or rounded to zero. (4) Denotes fewer than five or percentage based on a figure fewer than five. Data are rounded to five to prevent disclosure of sensitive information. (5) Includes personnel with nationality recorded as West German. (6) Includes personnel with nationality recorded as Rhodesian (7) Includes personnel with nationality recorded as British Commonwealth/Foreign, Foreign/Foreign, Other African Country and Other Asiatic country. (8) Includes 75 personnel recorded as Commonwealth by birth, but with no nationality recorded.

Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether officials at the Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston are involved in designing a new warhead for the use in Trident missiles; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: I have nothing to add to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Member for Airdrie and Shotts (John Reid) to the hon. Member for New Forest, East (Dr. Lewis) on 21 March 2006,  Official Report, column 364W.

Bills

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the occasions when an amendment has been moved by  (a) a Labour back bencher,  (b) an Opposition back bencher and  (c) an Opposition Front Bench spokesman to a Bill sponsored by his Department which has been accepted by his Department during the 2005-06 Session; and if he will make a statement.

Tom Watson: The Ministry of Defence has sponsored the Armed Forces Bill during this session. Information on amendments moved and accepted during the Select Committee and Committee of the Whole House stages of the Bill is published in the  Official Report.

Combat Stress

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much funding was allocated by his Department to the ex-services mental welfare society Combat Stress in each of the past five years.

Tom Watson: holding answer 13 March 2006
	The information requested is set out in the following table:
	
		
			  Income received by Combat Stress to defray individual treatment expenses 
			   £ million 
			 2000-01 1.5 
			 2001-02 2.1 
			 2002-03 2.4 
			 2003-04 2.6 
			 2004-05 2.8 
			  Source: Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society ("Combat Stress"). 
		
	
	Article 21 of the Naval, Military and Air Forces Etc. (Disablement and Death) Service Pensions Order 2006 provides that the Secretary of State for Defence may defray necessary expenses in respect of the medical, surgical or rehabilitative treatment of a former member of the armed forces which arise from a disablement due to service, provided they are not provided for under other UK legislation. Under this discretionary power, MOD defrays the individual costs of war pensioners undergoing "remedial treatment" at the Combat Stress homes for conditions related to their individual pensioned disablement and of related expenses, such as travel costs. The table shows the funding received by Combat Stress under this provision.

Conscientious Objectors

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how many soldiers have been discharged on the grounds of conscientious objection over the last five years;
	(2)  how many applications to leave the Army on the grounds of conscientious objection have been considered by his Department over the last five years.

Tom Watson: The Ministry of Defence has no record of any applications to leave the Regular Army on the grounds of conscientious objection in the last five years.
	However, the Army cannot identify from its records those applications that may start as requests to leave the Army on the grounds of conscientious objection but result in an individual leaving for different reasons.

Departmental Plans

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made on the delivery of his Department's revised policy of providing industry with a better and longer-term understanding of the Department's future plans.

Adam Ingram: We have started a series of briefings to various sectors of industry to set out more details of our forward plans—which have been welcomed by industry. We have also been reinforcing existing partnering agreements by providing industry with a clear view of our planning assumptions, recognising that these are subject to final investment decisions by Ministers and the Department.

Departmental Procurement

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress his Department has made in its discussion with industry on alternatives to competition as a means of delivering value for money; when he expects to complete his Department's action plan on this; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: We have begun discussions on alternative approaches to competition in a joint MOD/industry working group established under the auspices of the National Defence Industries Council. By the end of 2006 we intend to have in place top level policy, working level guidance and revised training packages which ensure the selection of an appropriate commercial approach which continues to deliver demonstrable value for money for the Department.

Departmental Procurement

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the creation of a joint plan between his Department and industry for embedding defence acquisition values throughout the acquisition community.

Adam Ingram: We are continuing to work with the National Defence Industries Council to ensure the defence acquisition values are the foundation upon which working relations within the MOD, and between the Department and industry are based. Within the Department's acquisition community, the values will be reflected in individuals' personal objectives and reward arrangements. Individual companies are already using the defence acquisition values to inform their in-house corporate values and behaviours.
	The Defence Academy will be working to bring in joint training courses with industry to embed the values, and we are also ensuring that partnering agreements with industry reflect the values explicitly.
	We shall be making a joint announcement with industry later this year to set out the totality of the work, and our achievements.

Departmental Legislation

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those  (a) Acts and  (b) parts of Acts which received Royal Assent between 1976 and 2006 for which his Department has policy responsibility and which remain in force.

Tom Watson: With respect to part  (a) of the question, the Ministry of Defence has policy responsibility for the following Acts which remain in force:
	The Armed Forces Acts 1976; 1981; 1986; 1991; 1996 and 2001
	The Armed Forces Discipline Act 2000
	The Armed Forces (Pension and Compensation) Act 2004
	The Army Act 1992
	The Atomic Weapons Establishment Act 1991
	The Crown Proceedings Act 1987
	The Greenwich Hospital Act 1990
	The Ministry of Defence Police Act 1987
	The Reserve Forces Acts 1980 and 1996
	The Protection of Military Remains Act 1986.
	No Acts have been identified in respect of part  (b) of the question.

Eid-Ul-Adha

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many staff from his Department attended the Civil Service Islamic Society Eid-Ul-Adha event in London in 2005; and what the total cost to his Department was of their attendance.

Tom Watson: My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will write to the hon. Member with details of the Civil Service Islamic Society Eid-Ul-Adha event. Copies of her letter will be placed in the Library.

Eurofighter

David Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the timetable is for delivery of future tranches of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, with particular reference to those  (a) with and  (b) without full air-to-ground strike capability.

Adam Ingram: The United Kingdom has, to date, contracted for two tranches of Eurofighter-Typhoon, providing 144 aircraft for use by the Royal Air Force. A decision by the Eurofighter Typhoon Partner Nations on the third production buy of the aircraft, and thus on the delivery timetable for this future tranche, has still to be taken. Integration of air-to-ground capabilities is being considered for Eurofighter Typhoon as part of a programme of future enhancements.

Gurkhas

Philip Dunne: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the number of widows of Gurkha servicemen who would receive pension payments if Gurkha servicemen were eligible for the British soldier's preserved pension at the age of 60 after more than two years of service;
	(2)  how many Gurkha ex-servicemen there are who retired prior to 1 July 1997;
	(3)  what estimate he has made of the cost of up-rating the pensions of Gurkha ex-servicemen who retired prior to 1 July 1997 to the amount received by their British soldier equivalents.

Tom Watson: On 11 January 2005, the then Secretary of State announced to the House that he had commissioned a comprehensive review of the Terms and Conditions of Service under which Gurkhas serve in the British Army.
	As part of this review, the Department is looking at the pension position of Gurkhas back to 1 July 1997. Prior to 1 July 1997 Gurkhas were members of an overseas-based force and had no comparable British soldier equivalents. Gurkha soldiers are members of the Gurkha pension scheme which does not provide for preserved pensions; there are therefore no Gurkha widows who would be eligible. The Department does not hold records of individuals (or of their widows) who do not have an entitlement to a pension, so cannot make reliable estimates of either the numbers involved or the cost of hypothetical pension entitlements.
	However there are currently 26,699 Gurkha service pensioners (of which 1,900 have retired since 1 July 1997) and the Gurkha Welfare Trust has reported that last year it paid 10,246 welfare pensions. Of the 26,699, there are about 5,000 Gurkha widows' or family dependants' pensions in payment.

Helicopter Searches

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  on how many occasions a helicopter from RAF Benson was used to assist a police search for a missing person in each of the last five years;
	(2)  if he will identify the helicopter from RAF Benson used to search for Dr. David Kelly on 18 July 2003; whether the helicopter in question was equipped with  (a) an infra-red camera and  (b) heat-seeking equipment; how long the helicopter was in the air; what areas it covered in its search; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  how many  (a) military,  (b) civilian and  (c) other personnel from (i) the United Kingdom, (ii) the United States and (iii) other nations were based at RAF Benson on 17 July 2003.

Adam Ingram: No RAF helicopters from RAF Benson have been used to assist police searches for missing persons in the last five years.
	No RAF helicopters from RAF Benson were used in the search for Dr. David Kelly on 18 July 2003. However, I understand that a Chiltern Air Support Unit police helicopter which is based at RAF Benson was on standby but not used. I am informed that a police helicopter from the Chiltern Air Support Unit based at Luton was used in the search.
	Details of the personnel based at RAF Benson on the 17 July 2003 were as follows:
	
		
			   Number of personnel 
			 RAF personnel 1,379 
			 Army personnel 18 
			 Navy personnel 2 
			 MOD civilian personnel 166 
			 Non-MOD (contractors) 150 
			 Foreign 2 (exchange aircrew from Canada and the United States)

Hercules Aircraft

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the cost of fitting reticulated foam devices to Mk1 Hercules aircraft.

Adam Ingram: I am withholding information regarding which of our Hercules aircraft will be fitted as the release of this information may prejudice the security of our armed forces.
	There is an initial programme, however, to fit Explosion Suppressant Foam to a number of them that will cost some £600,000 per aircraft.

Iran

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the military capability of the Iranian armed forces.

Des Browne: As a matter of routine we assess the military capability of other nations' armed forces, including that of Iran. I am withholding this information on the grounds that to release it would prejudice the capability, effectiveness, and security of the armed forces.

Iraq

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the quality of the Iraqi  (a) armed forces and  (b) police force based in Multi-National Division (South-East).

Des Browne: Regular assessments of the capability of Iraq's security forces are made as part of the process of considering the preparedness of each province for transition to Iraqi security control, including the four provinces of Multi-National Division (South-East).

Iraq

Angus MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department plans to take to make helicopters in Iraq safer for flight personnel.

Adam Ingram: We are continually reviewing ways of providing greater protection for all our personnel deployed on operations. For helicopters, we have identified a number of improvements to meet the specific operational conditions in Iraq; these have been, or are being, implemented through urgent operational requirement procedures. They include improvements to countermeasures, self protection, and crew and aircraft armour.

Iraq

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 4 May 2006,  Official Report, columns 181-84W, on Iraq, if he will place a copy of the eligibility criteria for the Operation TELIC medal in the Library.

Tom Watson: Command Paper 6135 was presented to Parliament in February 2004 by my right hon. Friend the then Secretary of State for Defence and laid down the qualifying criteria for the Iraq medal for service on Operation TELIC from 20 January 2003. In accordance with standard procedures, a copy was placed in the Library of the House.

Iraq

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of why the two Britons rescued from Basra Prison by British forces were  (a) dressed as Arabs and  (b) in possession of explosives at the time of their detention; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: An internal review was carried out in the wake of the events of 19 September 2005. I am withholding further details as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of our armed forces.

Iraq

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role UK forces have played in the  (a) training and  (b) operations of the Facilities Protection Service in Iraq; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: holding answer 25 May 2006
	Coalition forces have trained some 6,650 members of the Facilities Protection Service (FPS) based in Multi-National Division (South-East). The basic training course provides FPS guards with the skills that allow them to act as static security. The advanced course content varies, being structured at the discretion of FPS commanders, but frequently includes such areas as combat life support, Quick Reaction Forces, and logistics. At present, the FPS are operating at over 800 sites in Multi-National Division (South-East) on behalf of 22 Ministries.

Iraq

Angus MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many soldiers prescribed medication for psychological problems have been posted back to active service in Iraq.

Tom Watson: holding answer 25 May 2006
	We are aware of a very small number of cases where service personnel deployed to Iraq have been prescribed medication for a psychological illness; however, precise figures are not held centrally, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Joint Personnel Administration

David Cameron: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how much has been spent on the Joint Personnel Administration computer system;
	(2)  when he expects to introduce the Joint Personnel Administration computer system fully for  (a) the Royal Air Force,  (b) the Royal Navy and  (c) the Army;
	(3)  what assessment has been made of the suitability of the Joint Personnel Administration system for defence services;
	(4)  what reports Ministers have received about the operation of the Joint Personnel Administration system;
	(5)  how many complaints have been received about the operation of the Joint Personnel Administration computer system; and what changes have been made to the timetable for its introduction since the system was originally planned.

Tom Watson: On 20 March 2006, the Armed Forces Personnel Administration Agency (AFPAA) rolled out Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) to all 48,000 RAF service personnel throughout the world on time and on budget. The event marked the culmination of five years of system design, development, integration and testing and bears testimony to a very strong partnering agreement between MOD and EDS. The total cost to date of JPA is £116 million.
	The suitability of JPA was considered in July 2004 by the Defence Investment Approvals Board in approving the Main Gate Business Case. Prior to rollout, the readiness for service was assessed by an independent Office of Government Commerce Gateway review.
	On JPA rollout to the RAF there were a small number of technical issues which had not manifested themselves in the extensive testing carried out prior to its launch. This resulted in the system operating much more slowly than anticipated which greatly restricted the number of self-service users at any one time. Over the course of the last six weeks these early problems have been overcome and all users now have full access to the system. JPA has performed satisfactorily on rollout to RAF professional HR administrators and has delivered pay to the RAF with only a relatively few discrepancies caused by the migration of data from the legacy systems to JPA. Although the first few weeks following rollout have generated a significant number of enquiries, no formal complaints have been received.
	Following RAF rollout, the related provisional JPA dates for the RN and Army were June and November 2006 respectively. However, in order to more closely align JPA with Defence Information Infrastructure (Future) programme requirements, current plans are that JPA will be rolled out to the RN from October 2006 and to the Army from March 2007 respectively.

Low Flying Aircraft

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the locations are of each tactical training area in the UK in which low flying aircraft are permitted to fly to a minimum height of 100 feet.

Tom Watson: There are three Tactical Training Areas (TTA) in the UK Military Low Flying System, within which fixed wing aircraft and military Helicopters are permitted to operate down to 100 feet, and sometimes below, throughout the Low Flying System.
	The three areas are located in mid-Wales; in the Highlands of Scotland to the north-west of the Great Glen; and, in south-west Scotland and the Anglo Scottish border area, from Dumfries and Galloway across to the Cheviot hills. Maps showing the location of the Tactical Training Areas are included in The Pattern of Military Low Flying, which is published annually, and placed in the Library of the House.

Ministerial Visits (Accommodation)

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  on how many occasions  (a) civil servants and  (b) special advisers in his Department have stayed overnight in (i) five-star, (ii) four-star and (iii) three-star hotels in each of the last three years;
	(2)  what the total cost was of overnight accommodation for  (a) civil servants and  (b) special advisers in his Department staying overnight in (i) mainland Great Britain, (ii) Northern Ireland, (iii) the Republic of Ireland and (iv) other countries in each of the last three years;
	(3)  what discounts are available in relation to hotel accommodation used by  (a) civil servants and  (b) special advisers in his Department.

Tom Watson: The Ministry of Defence has an Enabling Arrangement with Expotel Hotel Reservations Ltd. for booking hotel accommodation which staff can access through the Central Hotel Booking Service (CHBS). The MOD does not directly receive discounts for hotel accommodation but CHBS is required to secure the lowest possible rates available for accommodation, generally of three-star quality, throughout Great Britain and overseas. Northern Ireland is not included in this agreement.
	This enabling arrangement is not mandated and individuals can choose to make their own bookings, providing they do so within a financial limit of £53 per night. There is no central record of bookings arranged outside CHBS and an attempt to collect such information could be undertaken only at disproportionate cost.
	CHBS does not record information on the star rating of the hotel, the choice of hotel being determined by value for money. Nor does CHBS hold information differentiating between civil servants and special advisers.

Nuclear Submarines

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions a local authority safety plan for visiting nuclear submarines has been declared fit for purpose within 24 hours of a submarine docking at a UK port in each of the last five years.

Adam Ingram: Local authority off-site emergency plans in respect of nuclear submarine berths are maintained in accordance with the Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2001 (REPPIR). These regulations are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive, Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (HSE NII). Any questions relating to the fitness for purpose of the off-site plan should be referred to the HSE NII.

Nuclear Weapons Testing

Francis Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent research he has assessed on the possible association between witnessing atomic and nuclear weapons testing and ill health.

Tom Watson: Ministry of Defence officials are currently studying the report of New Zealand research which used gene analysis techniques to identify minute changes in DNA which may correlate with radiation exposure. The report of this study was recently presented to the New Zealand War Pensions Research Trust Board but has not been peer-reviewed or published in the scientific press.

Racial Abuse

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many complaints of racial abuse have been  (a) investigated and  (b) upheld in his Department in each of the last five years.

Tom Watson: Records are not kept centrally in the form requested and it is not possible to identify complaints citing racial harassment separately from those citing racial discrimination. Changes to record-keeping will lead to improvements for the future. The available information is as follows:
	 Royal Navy
	The number of formal redresses of complaint which cited racial discrimination and/or harassment in each of the last five years were:
	
		
			   Number 
			 2001-02 1 
			 2002-03 2 
			 2003-04 0 
			 2004-05 3 
			 2005-06(1) 5 
			 (1) Figures for 1 April to 31 December 2005 
		
	
	It has not been possible from the data available to identify those redresses of complaint which were upheld and those complaints which were resolved locally through the chain of command.
	 Army
	The number of formal redresses of complaint which cited racial discrimination and/or harassment investigated and upheld in each year were:
	
		
			   Investigated  Upheld 
			 2001-02 9 1 
			 2002-03 4 1 
			 2003-04 6 1 
			 2004-05 10 0 
			 2005-06 9 0 
		
	
	Records of racial harassment complaints resolved locally through the chain of command are not held centrally.
	 RAF
	The number of formal redresses of complaint which cited racial discrimination and/or harassment investigated and upheld in each year were:
	
		
			   Investigated  Upheld 
			 2001-02 4 1 
			 2002-03 2 0 
			 2003-04 2 0 
			 2004-05 1 0 
			 2005-06 4 1 
		
	
	The number of informal complaints which cited racial discrimination and/or harassment and were resolved through chain of command or line management action were:
	
		
			   Number 
			 2001-02 n/a(1) 
			 2002-03 3 
			 2003-04 0 
			 2004-05 2 
			 2005-06(1) 1 
			 (1) Records of informal complaints of racial harassment began in 2002-03. 
		
	
	 Ministry of Defence Civil Service
	There is no requirement to report centrally bullying and harassment cases (including racial abuse) that are resolved at local unit level. To obtain this information would incur disproportionate costs. The figures provided as follows are for the last five calendar years, and record civilian harassment cases, involving racial abuse, where MOD units have requested a formal harassment investigation be carried out by a trained departmental civilian harassment investigation officer. Records are not held centrally on whether these investigated complaints were then subsequently upheld.
	
		
			   Number 
			 2001 1 
			 2002 0 
			 2003 1 
			 2004 1 
			 2005 1

RAF Heavy Lift

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the heavy lift capability of the Royal Air Force.

Adam Ingram: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Scarborough and Whitby (Mr. Goodwill) on 22 May 2006,  Official Report, column 1188.

Regimental Bands

Jeffrey M Donaldson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many regimental bands there are in the Army; where they are located; and what the strength is of each regiment which has retained a regimental band.

Tom Watson: As at 1 May there were 29 bands in the Regular Army and 14 in the Territorial Army (TA). Under the Future Army Structure (FAS), the number of Regular Army bands will reduce to 23 and the TA bands will increase to 19.
	It has only been possible to show a breakdown of strengths by regiment for regular infantry units. All other figures are for the appropriate arm/service. Details are shown in the following tables for Regular and Territorial Army units respectively.
	
		
			  Regular Army 
			  Arm/service—strength  Location  Current band  Representing  Regimental/corps strength 
			  Household Cavalry/RAC: 
			 5,530 Bovington Hussars and Light Dragoon Band Kings Royal Hussars Queens Royal Hussars n/a 
			  Munster, Germany Royal Lancers Band 9/12 L Queens Royal Lancers n/a 
			  Falingbostel, Germany Dragoon Guards Band 1(st) Queens Dragoon Guards Royal Scots Dragoon Guards n/a 
			  Falingbostel, Germany Royal Tank Regiment Band Royal Tank Regiment n/a 
			  Windsor Life Guards Band Life Guards n/a 
			  Knightsbridge Royal Horse Guards  Dragoon Band Royal Horse Guards n/a 
			  
			  Infantry: 
			 24,080 Edinburgh Lowland Band Royal Regt of Scotland 3,440 
			  Edinburgh Highlanders Band   
			  Catterick Queens Lancashire Regt  Normandy Band Queens Lancashire Regiment 670 
			  London Scots Guards Band Scots Guards 680 
			  London Irish Guards Band Irish Guards 600 
			  London Welsh Guards Band Welsh Guards 580 
			  London Grenadier Guards Band Grenadier Guards 730 
			  London Coldstream Guards Band Coldstream Guards 780 
			  Bassingbourn Queens Minden Band Princess of Wales Royal Regiment 1,290 
			Royal Regiment of Fusilliers 1,240 
			Royal Anglian Regiment 1,320 
			  Weeton Kings Normandy Band Kings Own Royal Border Regiment 590 
			  Catterick Kings Waterloo Band KINGS 580 
			Prince of Wales Own Regiment of Yorkshire 620 
			Queens Lancashire Regiment 670 
			Duke of Wellington's Regiment 630 
			Green Howards 580 
			   Prince of Wales Clive Band Devon and Dorset Light Infantry 590 
			   Prince of Wales Lucknow  Band Royal Welsh Regt 1,200 
			Cheshire Regt 540 
			Royal Gloucester Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment 610 
			Worcestershire and Sherwood  Foresters Regiment 600 
			Staffordshire Regiment 580 
			  Colchester Parachute Regiment Band Parachute Regiment 1,980 
			  Winchester Light Division Band Light Infantry 1,290 
			Royal Green Jackets 1,230 
			  Ballymena Royal Irish Band Royal Irish 630 
			  
			  Royal Artillery: 
			 7,350 Woolwich Royal Artillery Band Royal Artillery 7,350 
			  
			  Corps of Army Music: 
			 930(1) Chatham Royal Engineers Royal Engineers 8,820 
			  Blandford Royal Signals Royal Signals 8,560 
			  Arborfield Royal Electrical and  Mechanical Engineers Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 9,770 
			  Middle Wallop Army Air Corps Army Air Corps 1,990 
			  Deepcut Royal Logistics Corps Royal Logistics Corps 15,650 
			  Worthy Down Adjutant General's Corps Adjutant General's Corps 6,800 
			 (1) The personnel of the regimental bands are included in the Corps of Army Music strengths. 
		
	
	
		
			  Territorial Army 
			  Arm/service—strength  Location  Current band  Regimental/corps strength 
			  Household Cavalry/Royal Armoured Corps:
			 1,240 London Inns of Court and City Yeomanry Band Royal Yeomanry n/a 
			 
			  Royal Regiment of Artillery:
			 2,240 Bolton Lancashire Artillery Band n/a 
			   Honourable Artillery Company n/a 
			 
			  The Infantry:
			 7,480 Edinburgh 52 Lowland Band n/a 
			  Perth Highland Band n/a 
			  Canterbury Kohima Band of the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment n/a 
			  Newcastle-upon-Tyne Northumbria Band n/a 
			  Peterborough Royal Anglian Band n/a 
			  Liverpool North West Infantry Band n/a 
			  Exeter Devonshire and Dorset Band n/a 
			  Newport Royal Welsh Regiment (V) Band n/a 
			  Wolverhampton West Midlands Regiment Volunteer Band n/a 
			  Headington The Waterloo Band Royal Green Jackets Volunteers n/a 
			  Kinnegar North Irish TA Band n/a 
			 
			  The Royal Logistics Corps:
			 5,920 Hull 150 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps Band n/a 
		
	
	As explained in the written statement made to the House on 9 March 2006,  Official Report, columns 69-70WS the North Irish band will be re-titled The Royal Irish Regiment Band (TA) and its performance capacity will be enhanced to ensure continued provision of military music in Northern Ireland, in combination with programmed visits by Regular Army bands based in Great Britain.

Small Change Big Difference Campaign

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department and its agencies have taken following the launch of the Government's Small Change Big Difference Campaign.

Tom Watson: A key element of the Ministry of Defence's 'People Programme' concerns the health, welfare and sickness absence of our civilian staff. From 1 June 2006, guidance will be included on the Defence Intranet to encourage staff to consider healthy choices in relation to lifestyle and diet. Guidance will be available on giving up smoking, diet and maintaining a healthy weight, alcohol consumption and exercise. Links will be provided to specialist websites and Government initiatives including 'Small Change, Big Difference'.
	As part of the launch of these services, the Department is to hold a 'Health Awareness Week' in early July. A series of events will be held around MOD sites to promote a healthy lifestyle. MOD already has a thriving Sports and Social Association and a number of workplace sports clubs and gyms which staff can join at their own cost and in their own time. MOD restaurants also provide healthy choices.
	Health is vital to operational effectiveness and the armed forces have always had policies for health promotion. A Health Promotion Action Plan was published last year prior to the production of the Choosing Health White Paper covering issues such as diet, tobacco and alcohol consumption and sexual health. There is an expert panel on armed forces feeding which advises on diet and has published "Recruits' and Commanders' Guides to Nutrition". These offer advice on diets and eating patterns which are compatible with military requirements and health.

Somme Anniversary

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme; and if he will make a statement.

Tom Watson: It is assumed that the hon. Member is referring to the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, which occurs on 1 July 2006. An Anglo-French commemoration will take place at Thiepval on that day, the details of which have not been finalised. The main feature of the commemoration will be a Service of Remembrance organised by the Royal British Legion. It is expected that regimental associations and cadets will be present. A British military band is being provided.

Vehicle Sharing

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what incentives his Department offers to encourage staff to share vehicles when travelling to work.

Tom Watson: Encouraging staff to share vehicles when travelling to work is dependent on the circumstances of each site. For example, at Abbey Wood in Bristol, there is a scheme offering 300 car-sharing priority parking spaces. There are also informal schemes established on an individual basis. The Royal Navy also encourages the practice through its intranet sites with schemes in place at Royal Navy Fleet HQ, and at Portsmouth and Devonport Naval Bases.
	Vehicle-sharing is one of a number of measures that the Ministry of Defence encourages as part of its work on sustainable development and travel. These include the use of both telephone- and video-conference facilities for business meetings, and offering staff a pay advance to purchase bicycles and public transport season tickets for commuting to their place of work.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Industrial Injuries

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many  (a) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and  (b) vibration white finger claims have been submitted from Tamworth constituency, broken down by district electoral ward.

Malcolm Wicks: Although I cannot provide statistics by electoral ward, I have broken down the claims submitted from Tamworth constituents by postcode(1). The figures are as follows:
	(1) The postcodes listed include areas beyond the Tamworth constituency boundary.
	
		
			  Postcode  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease  Vibration white finger 
			 B77 1,022 289 
			 B78 1,155 396 
			 B79 571 141 
			 WS14 33 5 
			 Total 2,781 831 
		
	
	The figures for Tamworth constituency are 1,700 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease claims and 437 vibration white finger claims submitted.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Adults with Learning Difficulties

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he has taken to ensure that adults with learning difficulties report crimes to the police; and how this action has been communicated to people with learning difficulties.

Tony McNulty: In November 2005, the Home Office hosted a workshop attended by representatives of organisations who work with people who have learning disabilities. Since then, an Action Plan has been developed specifically to tackle low reporting rates amongst people in this vulnerable group. Among other things, the Action Plan identifies the need to raise awareness of sexual abuse with vulnerable adults and we are working to take these actions forward.
	The Home Office has also worked with Respond, Mencap, the Down's Syndrome Association and the National Forum for People with Learning Difficulties to produce an easy-access booklet called "Protecting You from Sexual Abuse", and this can be found on the Home Office website. The booklet has been written for people with learning disabilities to provide information and guidance on the law in relation to sexual offences.

Amendments to Legislation

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the occasions when an amendment has been moved by  (a) a Labour back bencher,  (b) an Opposition back bencher and  (c) an Opposition front bench spokesman to a Bill sponsored by his Department that has been accepted by his Department during the current session; and if he will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: The Home Department has sponsored the following Bills/Acts during the current session:
	Racial and Religious Hatred Act
	Identity Cards Act
	Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act
	Terrorism Act
	Charities Bill
	Fraud Bill
	Police and Justice Bill
	Violent Crime Reduction Bill.
	Information on amendments moved and accepted during the Committee and Report Stages of these Acts/Bills is published in the  Official Report.

Animal Experimentation

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what ways his Department plans to contribute to the review of European Directive 86/609, on animal experimentation; and if he will make a statement.

Joan Ryan: The European Commission is currently reviewing Directive 86/609 to take account of technical progress since it was first adopted almost 20 years ago. The directive is transposed into United Kingdom legislation by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
	Four technical expert working groups have already provided preliminary advice to the Commission on scope and definitions; severity/cost/benefit; ethical review; and authorisation of procedures. These groups had a strong United Kingdom representation, one of which was chaired by a Home Office official.
	Four more detailed technical issues were subsequently referred to the Animal Welfare Committee of the European Food Standards Agency (EFSA) for consideration and advice. The Commission is now considering the EFSA advice, and has commissioned a regulatory impact assessment to which the Home Office has recently responded.
	The Commission has indicated that it will next produce a consultation document in the summer of 2006. This is expected to take the form of a draft revised directive. The Home Office will respond once it has had the opportunity to consider its content and consult scientific community stakeholders.

Antisocial Behaviour Orders

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance is given to  (a) local authorities and  (b) the police about how and in what circumstances antisocial behaviour orders are issued to children under 18 years.

Tony McNulty: There is a range of sources of guidance for local authorities and the police on issuing antisocial behaviour orders to children and young people. The Home Office's comprehensive "Guidance on ASBOs" issued jointly with the Youth Justice Board and the Association of Chief Police Officers is currently being updated and will be issued shortly. In addition joint guidance issued by the Home Office, Youth Justice Board and the Association of Chief Police Officers, issued in March 2005, provides youth offending teams with advice on their role in preventing and reducing antisocial behaviour. Practitioners can also access information provided by the Together campaign in the form of a website, an extensive range of leaflets and a telephone action line offering advice on all aspects of antisocial behaviour.

Antisocial Behaviour Orders

John Cummings: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many antisocial behaviour orders have been issued in each local authority area in the County of Durham since 2001, broken down by age.

Tony McNulty: The available information is in the following table.
	
		
			  Number of ASBOs, as reported to the Home Office, by all courts and where restrictions are imposed within local authority areas in Durham, by age at date of decision, 1 January 2001 to 30 September 2005 
			   Age groups 
			  Area  10 to 17  18+  Total 
			 Durham 38 41 79 
			 Chester-le-Street DC 1 5 6 
			 Darlington BC 4 5 9 
			 Derwentside DC 6 11 17 
			 Durham CC 9 9 18 
			 Easington DC 8 4 12 
			 Sedgefield BC 5 4 9 
			 Teesdale DC 1 0 1 
			 Wear Valley DC 4 3 7

Asylum Seekers

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum applicants whose applications have been refused and whose appeal rights have been exhausted have had their claims reconsidered on the basis of further representations in each year since 1997; what criteria are used in deciding whether to allow claims to be reconsidered; what estimate has been made of the number of such applicants eligible to have their claims reconsidered; what the average time taken to conduct such reconsideration has been in each year; when such reconsiderations commenced; what the effect is on the status of applicants of having their claims reconsidered; and how many such reconsiderations in each year have resulted in the grant of asylum status or other permission which results in the applicant being able legally to remain in the UK.

Liam Byrne: The information requested is not available and could be produced only at disproportionate cost by examination of individual case records.

Asylum Seekers

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many  (a) Nigerian,  (b) Bangladeshi,  (c) Pakistani,  (d) Turkish and  (e) Somali asylum seekers are living in the UK.

Liam Byrne: The information requested is not available in the format requested.
	The following table shows the number of asylum seekers from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Turkey supported by NASS in the UK as at the end of March 2006.
	
		
			  Asylum seekers( 1,2,3 ) (including dependants) from Bangladesh, Nigeria. Pakistan, Somalia and Turkey supported by NASS in the UK as at the end of March 2006 
			   In NASS accommodation  Receipt of subsistence only support  Total 
			 Bangladesh 145 95 235 
			 Nigeria 695 150 840 
			 Pakistan 3,670 1,700 5,400 
			 Somalia 2,415 1,245 3,660 
			 Turkey 1,835 1,220 3,050 
			 (1) Provisional figures rounded to the nearest 5 with * = 1 or 2. Figures may not sum due to rounding. (2) Excludes unaccompanied asylum seeking children supported by local authorities and cases that pre-date the establishment of NASS in April 2000, administered by local authorities under the Interim Provisions.  (3) Excludes those in initial accommodation.

Black/Asian Employees

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many  (a) black and Asian and  (b) other people are employed in his Department's press office.

Liam Byrne: The numbers employed in the press office are as follows:
	
		
			   Number 
			 Black 2 
			 Asian 0 
			 Other 44

Community Support Officers

Don Touhig: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the retention rate of community support officers in  (a) Gwent,  (b) South Wales,  (c) Dyfed Powys and  (d) North Wales police force areas in each year since they were first employed.

Tony McNulty: Information on the retention rate of community support officers is not collected centrally. However, the available information regarding the number of community support officers leaving the Welsh police force areas is given in the table.
	
		
			  The number of PCSOs leaving (FTE)( 1)  by each police force area in Wales, in 2002-03, 2003-04 and 2004-05( 2) 
			   2002-03  2003-04  2004-05 
			 Dyfed Powys 0 0 0 
			 Gwent (3)— 10 5 
			 North Wales (3)— (3)— (3)— 
			 South Wales 0 4 11 
			 (1) This table contains full-time equivalent figures that have been rounded to the nearest whole number. (2 )These figures have been calculated from the quarterly leaving figures submitted by police forces.  (3 )Data is not available for this period.

Correspondence

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the immigration and nationality directorate will reply to the letter from the right hon. Member for Warley of 17 January on behalf of Mrs. McLeish, Meadow Road, Oldbury.

Liam Byrne: I refer the right hon. Member to the written answer given on 2 May 2006,  Official Report, column 1407W.

Crime Statistics

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the level of crime in  (a) Cornwall and  (b) England and Wales in 2005-06.

Tony McNulty: The latest crime statistics for England and Wales were published in Home Office Statistical Bulletin 06/06 entitled 'Crime in England and Wales: Quarterly Update to December 2005'. The publication gives recorded crime statistics for the first three quarters of financial year 2005-06 and is available at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs06/hosb0606.pdf
	Detailed statistics at police force area level for 2005-06 will be published on 20 July.

Deportation

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many deportees have returned to the UK because their destination country refused them entry in each of the last five years.

Liam Byrne: Such information on returned cases could only be obtained through examination of individual Home Office case files and this would be at disproportionate cost.
	Published statistics on immigration and asylum issues are available on the Home Office research Development and statistics website at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration1.html.

Domestic Violence

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what response he has made to the Sentencing Guidelines Council recommendations on domestic violence.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The guidelines prepared by the Sentencing Guidelines Council are currently out for consultation and it would be inappropriate to make any comment at this stage.

EU Criminal Proceedings

Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of whether the current proposals for a framework decision on certain procedural rights in criminal proceedings throughout the European Union would grant new rights to persons arrested in the United Kingdom; and what his policy is on the proposal.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Member states have not been able to reach agreement on the original text proposed for this framework decision, and a revised text is now being considered. If a revised text were to be formally tabled for discussion it would be subject to negotiation in the usual way. Intimations received as to the contents of a revised text suggest that it will be shorter and less ambitious.
	We will lodge an explanatory memorandum on any new text that is referred to the relevant council working group.

IND (Marriage Visas)

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long he expects it will take to clear the backlog at the immigration and nationality directorate for those awaiting marriage visas.

Liam Byrne: Certificate of Approval applications are being considered in line with our published service standards (70 per cent. of cases within 20 working days and 90 per cent. within 70 working days). At present these standards are being exceeded.

Intermediate Custodial Sentences

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many defendants received immediate custodial sentences from  (a) Wrexham magistrates court and  (b) Crown courts to which defendants were committed from Wrexham magistrates court in the last five years for which records are available.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		
			  Defendants sentenced and those receiving immediate custody at Wrexham magistrates court and at the Crown court having been committed from Wrexham magistrates court 
			   Wrexham magistrates court  The Crown court (having been committed from Wrexham MC) 
			   Total defendants sentenced  Number given immediate custody  Total defendants sentenced  Number given immediate custody 
			 2000 4,061 190 200 146 
			 2001 3,778 161 138 107 
			 2002 4,780 202 141 98 
			 2003 4,826 171 208 166 
			 2004 5,818 199 159 119 
			  Source:  RDS-NOMS 16 May 2006

Mandatory Sentences

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many mandatory life sentences for offenders convicted of violent offences for the second time have been handed down in each of the last five years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The information requested is published in Table 2.7 of 'Sentencing Statistics, England and Wales, 2004 (page 28). This publication can be found in the Library and also on the Home Office website, as follows:http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs05/hosb1505.pdf .

Migrant Workers

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate his Department has made of the number of people who are likely to come to work in the UK when Bulgaria and Romania accede to the European Union.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 8 May 2006
	The Home Office is reviewing relevant data and research in the area. The final decision on what kind of labour access should be granted to Bulgaria and Romania will be taken once the date of their accession to the European Union is known.

National Asylum Support Service

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he intends to publish details of the recent review by the director general of the immigration and nationality directorate of the operation of the National Asylum Support Service; and if he will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 8 February 2006,  Official Report, column 1276W.

Non-Emergency Crime Line

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost will be to callers of using the new 101 non-emergency crime line.

Tony McNulty: The cost of calls to the new 101 single non-emergency number has been set at 10p per call following consultation with a wide group of stakeholders and research with the public. The research showed that a small fixed charge would not put people off calling the service but would reduce the likelihood of the service being abused. The Government, police and local authorities will not profit in any way from the 10p fixed charge for calls to the single non-emergency number. The charge will be retained by telecom providers to offset the substantial cost of carrying calls.
	This fixed rate charge compares favourably with existing police and local authority non-emergency numbers many of which are charged at 0845 call rates which can cost as much as 10p per minute or more. Calls to 101 will be 10p per call regardless of length which means that callers are protected against additional cost if their call is longer and more complex.
	The tariff will be reviewed once the service is in operation and has been evaluated with the aim of making it free to call the number in the future.

Open Prisons (Absconded Prisoners)

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the level of absconds by prisoners from open prisons in England.

Gerry Sutcliffe: There were 702 absconds from open prisons in the financial year 2005-06. This represents the lowest figure for absconds in the last 10 years. However, the Prison Service recognises that this abscond rate needs to be reduced further and continues to drive forward work to meet this aim.

Parole Boards

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners have appealed against parole board decisions in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and how many were granted legal aid to do so.

Gerry Sutcliffe: There is no right of appeal as such against a decision of the parole board. The only legal remedy available to a prisoner wishing to challenge such a decision is to apply to the courts for judicial review. The following table, taken from the parole board's annual report for 2004-05, gives a breakdown of the number of judicial reviews for each of the previous five years. The number of cases granted legal aid is not held centrally and to provide this information would incur disproportionate cost.
	
		
			  Judicial reviews of parole board decisions 
			   Number 
			 2000-01 71 
			 2001-02 52 
			 2002-03 59 
			 2003-04 56 
			 2004-05 56

Passports

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he plans to offer pensioners a special rate for the purchase of  (a) a new biometric passport and  (b) an identity card; and what plans he has for arrangements for those already entitled to free passports.

Joan Ryan: There are no plans to discount biometric passports for pensioners. Those born prior to 2 September 1929 who are already entitled to free passports will continue to be eligible for free biometric passports.
	The final schedule of fees for identity and passport service products after the introduction of identity cards is not yet settled and is partly dependent on the outcome of forthcoming procurement processes. However, due consideration will be given to current passport fee policies before the schedule is finalised and the Identity Cards Act provides that the first schedule of fees must be approved by Parliament through secondary legislation under the affirmative order procedure.

Persistent Offenders

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persistent and prolific offenders have been identified by the Northamptonshire police force.

Tony McNulty: The four prolific and other priority offenders schemes operating in the Northamptonshire police area covering Corby, Kettering, Daventry and Wellingborough are working intensively with 208 such offenders . Across the East Midlands region, a total of 1,296 prolific and other priority offenders are being targeted as part of the Government's national programme to tackle the small number of highly active offenders who cause a disproportionate amount of harm to the communities in which they live.

Police

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the sickness absence rate was in the Cambridgeshire constabulary in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: The available information is provided in the table.
	
		
			  Police Officer Sickness Absence( 1)  in Cambridgeshire (2000-2005) 
			  As at 31 March  Average number of working days lost per officer  Average number of working hours lost per officer 
			 1997 11.1 — 
			 1998 10.8 — 
			 1999 11.9 — 
			 2000 11.8 — 
			 2001 13.3 — 
			 2002 12.0 — 
			 2003 11.4 — 
			 2004 10.3 92.4 
			 2005 — 98.3 
			 (1) Prior to 2004, sickness data was recorded in days rather than hours. Figures from 1997-2003 were published in the Annual Report of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary. Figures after this time are taken from the Police Performance Monitoring Reports published by the Home Office

Police

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the total costs of the National Policing Improvement Agency in each year between 2005-06 and 2009-10; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: The NPIA will be established on 1 April 2007. The budget for financial year 2007-08 and thereafter has not been finalised.

Police

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the  (a) purpose and  (b) objective is of the National Policing Improvement Agency; what its manpower requirement will be; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: The purpose and objective of the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) is to deliver a step change in the provision of services to support operational policing and drive further improvements in the service, particularly in front-line delivery to the public. The NPIA will be police-owned and led. The exact staffing levels of the Agency have yet to be determined.

Police

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police stations there were in  (a) Devon and  (b) Cornwall in (i) 2006, (ii) 2002 and (iii) 1995.

Tony McNulty: The information requested is not collected centrally.

Police

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers were on attachment to overseas police forces in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: The maximum number of UK police officers who may be deployed to international peace support operations at any one time is 475. On average, around 170 officers from forces in England and Wales are deployed in this capacity each year.
	In the years 2001 to 2005, the Home Office issued the following numbers of authorisations under section 26 of the Police Act 1996 to police officers from forces in England and Wales in respect of travel overseas to provide assistance to an international organisation or other body engaged outside the UK in policing activities:
	
		
			   Number 
			 2001 262 
			 2002 250 
			 2003 354 
			 2004 840 
			 2005 1,730 
		
	
	The majority of these authorisations were in respect of short-term assistance, including in the areas of counter-terrorism, serious and organised crime and disaster relief, such as the extensive help provided in 2004-05 in the aftermath of the tsunami.

Police

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons are employed  (a) full-time and  (b) part-time in working for Police Direct; what his policy is on the expansion of Police Direct; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 16 May 2006
	The information requested is not collected centrally.

Police

Christopher Fraser: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of how one super force for the entire Eastern region would affect  (a) the number of full-time police officers deployed in the area served by the Norfolk constabulary,  (b) the level of service offered to the public and  (c) the rates of crime.

Tony McNulty: An assessment of the single Eastern regional option was not undertaken. Both the Home Office and forces and authorities in this region agreed that there were other more viable options on which resources needed to be focused.

Police

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the precepting arrangements will be for the new proposed Yorkshire police force; and whether the current arrangements requiring majority support among elected members of the police authority before a precept increase can be agreed will remain in place.

John Reid: I think the strategic direction that has already been set out is the right one. I have not yet had time to consider these matters in the considerable detail that would be wished, but will be turning my mind to how we can achieve this direction in the not too distant future.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost was of the preparation and production of the performance testing bid at HMP Wandsworth.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The additional cost of the performance test at Wandsworth prison was £200,000. This does not include the cost of any support for the process found from within existing resources.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to reduce the incidence of prisons breaching Rule 39 correspondence conditions; what estimate he has made of the number of breaches at each establishment in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: There are clear procedures in place for the handling of correspondence to which prison rule 39 applies. No estimate has been made of the number of breaches of these procedures but we have no information to suggest this is a significant problem.

Private Members' Bills

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list those Private Members' Bills in respect of which his Department adopted a policy of neutrality in each session since 2001-02; and if he will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: The information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Probation Service

Edward Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many  (a) active and  (b) inactive operational vacancies there were for each probation area in England and Wales at the end of each of the past five financial years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Information is not available for the full period requested. Data on active vacancies has only been collected since 1 April 2004.
	The figures presented show active vacancies, in terms of full-time equivalent value, at the close of each quarter from 1 April 2004 to 30 September 2005. An active vacancy is one which a probation area is actively trying to fill through a recruitment process. The table also shows active vacancies as a percentage, shown in brackets, of total available posts. This shows the proportion of vacancies being carried by each area relative to the size of the work force in that area.
	The National Probation Service is unable to provide figures on the number of inactive vacancies. This is because not all probation areas operate a set establishment against which inactive vacancies can be measured.
	
		
			   2004-05 
			   Quarter 1  Quarter 2  Quarter 3 
			   Figure  Percentage  Figure  Percentage  Figure  Percentage 
			 Avon and Somerset 56.40 10.50 34.10 6.74 73.00 12.88 
			 Bedfordshire 8.67 4.40 10.31 5.53 11.00 5.70 
			 Cambridgeshire 13.49 5.78 15.29 6.59 19.47 8.03 
			 Cheshire 29.50 8.02 20.80 5.60 0.00 0.00 
			 Cumbria 9.00 5.32 12.86 7.21 14.35 7.71 
			 Derbyshire 0.00 0.00 10.80 2.95 12.80 3.57 
			 Devon and Cornwall 19.90 4.32 26.30 5.80 18.80 4.03 
			 Dorset 16.70 7.65 23.57 10.51 15.30 6.73 
			 Durham 8.00 2.95 4.00 1.45 1.00 0.34 
			 Dyfed Powys 6.80 4.71 11.70 7.50 4.20 2.76 
			 Essex 19.60 4.51 4.00 0.97 2.00 0.46 
			 Gloucestershire 1.52 0.90 2.66 1.52 3.88 2.14 
			 Gwent 9.00 3.77 4.00 1.67 7.50 3.09 
			 Hampshire 8.73 1.70 18.25 3.55 12.50 2.35 
			 Hertfordshire 16.90 7.36 16.10 6.78 16.10 6.81 
			 Humberside 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 
			 Kent 26.53 5.54 33.50 6.97 30.95 6.34 
			 Lancashire 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 
			 Leicestershire 19.80 4.29 13.70 2.99 16.70 3.64 
			 Lincolnshire 24.10 9.58 7.10 3.12 10.80 4.52 
			 Merseyside 1.00 0.13 1.00 0.13 1.00 0.13 
			 Norfolk 0.00 0.00 26.60 10.16 16.38 6.43 
			 North Yorkshire 15.20 6.20 12.90 5.48 0.00 0.00 
			 North Wales 14.10 5.77 15.00 5.99 13.00 5.19 
			 Northamptonshire 21.00 8.78 15.00 6.67 20.54 8.84 
			 Northumbria 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 
			 Nottinghamshire 12.80 2.57 12.80 2.65 12.80 2.54 
			 South Wales 105.80 17.35 66.25 10.88 24.00 4.10 
			 South Yorkshire 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 
			 Staffordshire 18.90 4.51 41.10 9.48 23.51 5.36 
			 Suffolk 10.36 5.03 12.01 5.77 12.20 5.55 
			 Surrey 45.50 16.49 40.70 14.59 28.20 10.32 
			 Sussex 27.10 7.20 40.40 10.84 20.50 5.34 
			 Teeside 4.00 1.30 6.40 2.06 8.80 2.74 
			 Thames Valley 44.90 6.99 66.10 10.10 49.80 7.54 
			 Warwickshire 8.70 5.10 6.60 4.01 9.90 5.73 
			 West Mercia 26.93 7.04 15.73 4.11 11.90 3.09 
			 West Yorkshire 78.30 7.20 87.10 7.92 66.30 5.93 
			 Wiltshire 14.50 9.30 14.50 9.41 11.30 7.05 
			 NPS total 743.73 3.75 749.23 3.78 600.48 2.98 
		
	
	
		
			   2004-05  2005-06 
			   Quarter 4  Quarter 1  Quarter 2 
			   Figure  Percentage  Figure  Percentage  Figure  percentage 
			 Avon and Somerset 67.70 11.72 67.90 11.71 77.60 12.96 
			 Bedfordshire 15.20 7.30 17.20 8.34 0.00 0.00 
			 Cambridgeshire 18.32 7.61 22.80 9.20 14.10 5.65 
			 Cheshire 5.60 1.55 21.00 5.53 48.90 10.70 
			 Cumbria 6.45 3.55 5.50 2.95 19.30 9.73 
			 Derbyshire 9.20 2.52 8.80 2.38 0.00 0.00 
			 Devon and Cornwall 15.30 3.21 11.30 2.35 31.40 6.34 
			 Dorset 9.30 4.12 20.60 8.91 17.40 7.37 
			 Durham 4.04 1.32 19.80 6.27 27.70 8.67 
			 Dyfed Powys 6.30 4.09 4.60 2.97 3.50 2.15 
			 Essex 6.80 1.49 7.00 1.52 7.00 1.50 
			 Gloucestershire 7.88 4.33 10.09 5.40 14.31 7.50 
			 Gwent 11 .90 5.00 8.00 3.49 2.30 0.98 
			 Hampshire 14.50 2.65 26.00 4.49 0.00 0.00 
			 Hertfordshire 16.10 6.90 20.60 8.84 12.40 5.48 
			 Humberside 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 
			 Kent 25.08 5.10 26.96 5.55 29.31 6.09 
			 Lancashire 22.60 3.67 28.50 4.71 21.50 3.56 
			 Leicestershire 20.80 4.50 30.60 6.24 20.30 4.23 
			 Lincolnshire 4.00 1.70 8.00 3.46 5.00 2.17 
			 Merseyside 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 
			 Norfolk 13.25 4.88 5.00 1.83 11.00 3.84 
			 North Yorkshire 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 
			 North Wales 5.20 2.11 7.50 2.96 7.60 2.99 
			 Northamptonshire 6.00 2.65 19.60 8.19 28.10 11.74 
			 Northumbria 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 
			 Nottinghamshire 12.80 2.42 12.80 2.35 12.80 2.32 
			 South Wales 23.50 3.97 40.50! 6.58 26.00 4.13 
			 South Yorkshire 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 
			 Staffordshire 20.40 4.61 12.50 2.92 12.20 2.82 
			 Suffolk 11.00 4.99 12.10 5.37 29.38 12.06 
			 Surrey 18.50 6.82 27.20 9.48 23.90 8.38 
			 Sussex 20.00 5.11 17.00 4.39 3.00 0.79 
			 Teeside 9.80 3.00 30.80 8.32 52.60 13.59 
			 Thames Valley 52.40 7.78 59.20 8.84 55.30 8.38 
			 Warwickshire 4.50 2.59 5.80 3.38 4.00 2.29 
			 West Mercia 8.51 2.21 13.60 3.51 21.66 5.52 
			 West Yorkshire 52.18 4.83 50.50 4.61 97.78 8.75 
			 Wiltshire 10.60 6.74 9.60 6.29 21.70 13.09 
			 NPS total 555.71 2.74 688.95 3.35 759.04 3.64 
			  Notes: 1. London figures are not included because the area is currently undertaking a recruitment exercise to achieve a 10 per cent. increase in staffing levels this year. The London probation area has only been able to provide active vacancy information from quarter 1 2005-06.  2. The Greater Manchester and West Midlands probation areas have also been omitted as they are not able to provide active vacancy figures at present.

Racially Motivated Attacks

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many racially motivated murders took place in  (a) England and Wales and  (b) London in each of the last 24 months for which figures are available.

Liam Byrne: The available information relates to 2002-03 and 2003-04. Data extracted from the homicide index are given in the following table:
	
		
			  Homicides( 1)  with a known racial motivation, recorded by police in England and Wales in 2002-03 and 2003-04( 2) 
			  Month  England and Wales  Metropolitan Police 
			  2002-03   
			 April — — 
			 May — — 
			 June — — 
			 July — — 
			 August 1 1 
			 September — — 
			 October — — 
			 November 1 1 
			 December 2 1 
			 January — — 
			 February 2 2 
			 March 1 — 
			
			  2003-04   
			 April 2 — 
			 May — — 
			 June 3 2 
			 July — — 
			 August — — 
			 September 1 — 
			 October — — 
			 November — — 
			 December 1 1 
			 January — — 
			 February 1 — 
			 March — — 
			 (1) Includes murder, manslaughter and infanticide.  (2) As at 22 October 2004. Homicide offences are shown according to the year in which the police initially recorded the offence as homicide. This is not necessarily the year in which the incident took place or the year in which any court decision was made.

Right-to-Work Permits

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance his Department has issued to other Government Departments and agencies on the need to verify the right-to-work permits of non-UK citizens undertaking  (a) contracted and  (b) sub-contracted work.

Liam Byrne: Section 8 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 is the primary measure for combating illegal working. It provides employers with a statutory defence from conviction if they check and record certain specified documents belonging to potential employees. To support employers in meeting their responsibilities under section 8, IND produced short (summary) guidance which was distributed widely among other Government Departments and agencies. If further guidance on this legislation is required, the booklet refers the reader to the immigration and nationality directorate website where comprehensive guidance is available, and there is also a reference to the Employers' Helpline which offers a dedicated service for employers by advising on the legislation on preventing illegal migrant working. The Employers' Helpline also disseminates hard copies of the comprehensive guidance on request. The comprehensive guidance makes clear that this legislation covers contracted and sub-contracted employment.

Secure Training Centres

Sally Keeble: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions oxygen was used on  (a) staff and  (b) trainees following incidents involving the use of restraint in (i) Hassockfield, (ii) Medway, (iii) Oakhill and (iv) Rainsbrook secure training centres between (A) January and June 2005, (B) July and December 2005 and (C) January and May 2006.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Oxygen was administered to trainees at Rainsbrook following a restraint incident twice during the first six months of 2005 and twice during the last six months. On each occasion the trainee had been hyperventilating or appeared to be feeling faint. None of the trainees had lost consciousness. In each case, oxygen was administered as a precaution and no other treatment was required.
	These were the only occasions during the specified periods on which oxygen was used at any of the secure training centres in connection with a restraint incident.

Secure Training Centres

Sally Keeble: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times restraint was used in  (a) Hassockfield,  (b) Medway,  (c) Oakhill and  (d) Rainsbrook secure training centres between (i) January and June 2005, (ii) July and December 2005 and (iii) January and May 2006.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The information requested—apart from the figures for May 2006, which are not yet available—is given in the following table. It includes all occasions on which any form of physical intervention was necessary, including low-level interventions such as a young person being led away from a potential incident.
	
		
			  Use of physical intervention in secure training centres 
			   January to June 2005  July to December 2005  January to April 2006 
			 Hassockfield 410 591 310 
			 Medway 1,010 636 291 
			 Oakhill 474 595 265 
			 Rainsbrook 293 282 123

Secure Training Centres

Sally Keeble: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions  (a) staff and  (b) trainees lost consciousness during incidents involving the use of restraint in (i) Hassockfield, (ii) Medway, (iii) Oakhill and (iv) Rainsbrook secure training centres between (A) January and June 2005, (B) July and December 2005 and (C) January and May 2006.

Gerry Sutcliffe: No trainees or staff lost consciousness in the course of restraint at any of the secure training centres during the specified periods.

Secure Training Centres

Sally Keeble: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions  (a) staff and  (b) trainees were injured during incidents involving the use of restraint in (i) Hassockfield, (ii) Medway, (iii) Oakhill and (iv) Rainsbrook secure training centres between (A) January and June 2005, (B) July and December 2005 and (C) January and May 2006.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The information requested is given in the following table, apart from the figures for May 2006, which are not yet available. The table shows all injuries that required treatment by a medical practitioner.
	
		
			  Injuries to staff and trainees resulting from restraint incidents in secure training centres 
			   January to June 2005  July to December 2005  January to April 2006 
			   Staff  Trainees  Staff  Trainees  Staff  Trainees 
			 Hassockfield 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Medway 1 0 2 0 0 0 
			 Oakhill 0 0 3 0 1 0 
			 Rainsbrook 0 1 5 1 0 0

Serious and Organised Crime Agency

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of posts in the Serious and Organised Crime Agency are unfilled.

Vernon Coaker: holding answer 17 May 2006
	The Serious Organised Crime Agency was established on 1 April 2006 with a staff of around 4,300, the vast majority of whom came from the precursor agencies. SOCA has identified shortages in some specific skills which it is now seeking to fill through external recruitment and internal promotion and staff moves.

Terrorism

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many terrorist suspects have been detained by the police at UK airports since July 2005.

Tony McNulty: Information in the precise form requested is not held centrally. Records of arrests and charges generally under the Terrorism Act 2000 are available on the Home Office website (http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/security/terrorism-and-the-law/terrorism-act/) for the period September 2001 to September 2005.

Terrorism

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons the consultation period on the Draft Code of Practice for the detention, treatment and questioning of persons under section 41 and schedule 8 to the Terrorism Act 2000 lasts from 2 May to 25 May; and what account was taken of the Cabinet Office Code on consultation criteria when the consultation period was set.

Tony McNulty: The Government undertook to produce a Code of Practice before bringing into force the provisions of the Terrorism Act 2006 which relate to extended detention. These provisions were discussed extensively during the passage of the Act, and given the urgent need to have these powers in place as soon as possible, I hope my hon. Friend will understand why the period of consultation agreed by the Government and the main opposition parties is shorter than usual.
	The Code of Practice is also based largely on the revised Code of Practice for the detention, treatment and questioning of persons by police officers (Code C), issued under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, which was subject to extensive consultation before being issued on 1 January 2006.
	The Consultation Paper issued with the Draft Code of Practice stated clearly that this consultation process was not being carried out within the usual Cabinet Office guidelines.

Violent Crime

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which crimes are recorded under the general heading of violent crime in his Department's statistics.

Tony McNulty: Violent crime comprises the offence groups of violence against the person, sexual offences and robbery. The individual offences in each group are shown in Appendix two of "Crime in England and Wales 2004-05", and are available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs05/hosb1105append.pdf

Work Permits

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received about work permits from  (a) farmers and  (b) the National Farmers Union.

Liam Byrne: Since the beginning of 2006 my predecessor, my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, East (Mr. McNulty), has received four representations from farmers and growers in the UK regarding the future of the seasonal agricultural workers scheme (SAWS) and a comprehensive reply from the National Farmers Union (NFU) in response to the consultation document "Selective Migration: Making Migration Work for Britain". There is also close contact with the NFU through the Illegal Working Stakeholder Group.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Capita Group

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what meetings  (a) he and  (b) Ministers in his Department have held with directors and senior executives of (i) Capita Group plc. an (ii) its subsidiaries since 1 January 2004; and whether (A) Capita Group plc. and (B) its subsidiaries have provided input (1) in writing and (2) in person to policy discussions in his Department since 1 January 2004.

Bill Rammell: This question could be answered only at disproportionate cost.

Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  when she will answer the letter to her dated 8 March from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton, with regard to Dr. D. Ziegeler;
	(2)  when he will answer the letter to his predecessor dated 8 March from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton, with regard to Dr. D. Ziegeler;
	(3)  when he will answer the letter to his predecessor dated 8 March from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton, with regard to Dr. D. Ziegeler.

Alan Johnson: I responded to my right hon. Friend's letters on 23 May.

Correspondence

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when he will reply to the letter to his predecessor dated 20 March 2006 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Debbie Burton.

Jim Knight: I responded to my right hon. Friend's letter of 20 March, and his subsequent letter of 20 April, on 22 May.

Departmental Expenditure

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the 10 non-public sector entities that have received the largest total sum of payments from his Department in each of the last five years.

Alan Johnson: This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The payments system used by the Department for Education and Skills does not currently hold sufficient detail about the nature of its suppliers to be able to easily and accurately collect this information.

Departmental Expenditure

Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when he will answer the letter to his predecessor dated 4 April from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton, with regard to Mrs. J. Watson.

Alan Johnson: I responded to my right hon. Friend's letter on 22 May.

Education and Inspections Bill

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the level of administration required to implement the provisions of the Education and Inspections Bill.

Jim Knight: The Education and Inspections Bill is generally deregulatory in nature, providing a legislative framework to establish a new relationship between government, local authorities and schools. However, there are additional costs for some elements of the Bill. These are set out in the Bill's Regulatory Impact Assessment which is available on the Department's website at:
	www.dfes.gov.uk/publications/educationandinspectionsbill.

Education and Inspections Bill

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what representations he has received from hon. Members representing Scottish constituencies on the Education and Inspections Bill.

Jim Knight: We have received three representations on the Education and Inspections Bill from MPs representing Scottish constituencies. These have raised a number of issues, including:
	The faith character of trust schools;
	Whether the Bill has implications for the Barnett formula; and
	A request for a response to the National Union of Teachers' leaflet about the Bill.

Education and Inspections Bill

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what system of inspections he will put in place to ensure the maintenance of nutritional standards in schools following introduction of the measures proposed in the Education and Inspections Bill;
	(2)  what estimate his Department has made of the likely costs of the nutritional school meals proposed in the Education and Inspections Bill; and what assessment he has made of the impact of the proposals for the costs of school meals to  (a) schools,  (b) local education authorities and  (c) parents.

Jim Knight: The responsibility for ensuring that the nutritional standards are being met will rest with either the local authority or the school governing body, depending on the model of provision. Ofsted are already inspecting schools' general approach to healthy eating as part of the new inspection framework for schools. They have also already carried out, alongside nutritionists, a pilot thematic study in three local authorities, looking at the standard of food provided in a sample of schools. A further larger-scale thematic study is planned for next year.
	We have published a full Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) which considers the financial impact that the new nutritional standards will have. In compiling the RIA, account was taken of the report written for the School Meals Review Panel (SMRP) by PricewaterhouseCoopers on the costs of implementing the Caroline Walker Trust's recommendations, which are closely mirrored by the recommendations of the SMRP.

Education and Inspections Bill

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate his Department has made of the likely costs of the free transport provisions of the Education and Inspections Bill.

Jim Knight: The Education and Inspections Bill includes provisions that place a general duty on local authorities to promote sustainable school travel and extend the entitlement to free home to school transport for low income families. It will also enable a small number of local authorities to run Pathfinder schemes which will include innovative arrangements supporting school choice; and increase the proportion of pupils travelling by sustainable means.
	In 2004/05 local authorities in England spent £772 million on free and assisted home to school transport. This will be supplemented by £4 million per annum to fund the new general duty to promote sustainable travel; £40 million per annum to extend the entitlement to free transport to low income families, and £12 million per annum to support Pathfinder schemes.

Energy Conservation

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what advice and assistance is available to schools to enable them to reduce their energy bills and use.

Jim Knight: There is extensive guidance available for schools to improve their energy efficiency on the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) webpages(1) including the Department's Energy and Water Management Guide. The DfES launched a consultation on its framework for sustainable schools on 15 May. The framework promotes eight doorways to sustainability for schools, one of which is energy and water. The framework promotes a whole school approach to water and energy management in schools. A comprehensive website which will go live on 9 June this year combining management tools with curriculum resources for all of the eight sustainability themes(2). The Energy Certification Scheme for Schools(3) and the Carbon Trusts programmes(4 )also provide advice and assistance to schools.
	(1) www.teachernet.gov.uk/wholeschool/sd/focuson/energy/energy management/
	(2) www.teachernet.gov.uk/sustainableschools
	(3) www.est.org.uk/schools
	(4) www.carbontrust.co.uk/energy

Field Courses

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what representations his Department has received regarding the effects of educational field courses on the academic performance of pupils;
	(2)  when the Education Outside the Classroom Manifesto is expected to be published; and what resources will be made available for schools to implement the aims of the manifesto;
	(3)  what steps his Department is taking to encourage teachers to take up fieldwork courses offered by science learning centres.

Jim Knight: The Department works closely with organisations such as the Field Studies Council (FSC), National Association of Field Study Officers (NAFSO), Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), Geographical Association and Association for Science Education on field work in schools including its contribution to improving academic performance. As part of the emerging Education Outside the Classroom Manifesto, a group of leading organisations from the fieldwork sector (including those listed above) submitted a report to the Department on the benefits of fieldwork and recommendations to promote and support field studies in schools.
	We aim to launch the Education Outside the Classroom Manifesto before the end of the summer term when DfES will announce its pledges.
	Science Learning Centres, a £51 million joint initiative by the Department and the Wellcome Trust, provide high quality professional development for science teachers.
	To help encourage teachers to attend Science Learning Centres courses, the Department have provided funding to help subsidise the costs of the courses for the first two years of operation.

Learning and Skills Councils

David Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the costs were of  (a) closing training and enterprise councils,  (b) the creation of learning and skills councils and  (c) the merging of learning and skills councils.

Bill Rammell: The Learning and Skills Council was established in 2001 to replace the 72 Training and Enterprise Councils and the Further Education Funding Council. It was estimated that this would result in savings of some £50 million per annum. These savings have been realised and a significant proportion has been reinvested in better training in local areas.
	Building on this, the Learning and Skills Council is currently undertaking a second major restructuring exercise which will further streamline the organisation and strengthen its capacity to work strategically with partners at local and regional level. This will involve the merger of some local offices, and the LSC estimates that, once completed, the restructuring will release up to £40 million per annum nationally.
	The national costs incurred to date in  (a) closing the Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs) and  (b) creating the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) are £83 million. TECs, which were independent local companies, will also have incurred some local costs connected with the ending of the TEC network, but we do not have details of the amounts involved. Although the majority of TECs have now been formally wound up, there will be some additional costs involved in winding up those remaining. It is not possible to disaggregate the costs associated with  (a) and  (b).

Online Learning

Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what plans he has to extend access to personal online learning space as outlined in the Schools White Paper to the further and higher education sectors;
	(2)  what steps he is taking to ensure all schoolchildren have access to a personal online learning space by 2008 as outlined in the Schools White Paper.

Phil Hope: The Department is working closely with Becta, JISC and other stakeholders to establish the extent to which the approach to providing access to a personal online learning space in schools can be shared with further and higher education, and what can be learned from these sectors' experience with learning platforms by schools.
	DfES will provide funding to local authorities in 2006-07 and 2007-08 to provide access to a personalised online learning space (through a learning platform) for all their schools by 2008. Our expectation is that local authorities will use the expertise of Regional Broadband Consortia to make best use of the funding (for example, through aggregated procurement) and to make sure that schools' needs are met effectively. Guidance has been made available to local authorities and schools to allow them to plan and meet their requirements in time to meet the 2008 personal online space target. Becta is procuring a national framework (with preferred suppliers), which will help purchasers to select appropriate learning platforms. This framework will be available to all educational institutions from January 2007.

Private Finance Initiative

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many complaints his Department has received about the operation of private finance initiative contracts in schools over the last 12 months.

Jim Knight: I do not have a tally of the number of complaints which the Department has received about private finance initiative contracts, but I will write shortly to the hon. Lady with this information. We have been working consistently to improve the delivery of operational private finance initiative contracts in response to problems that have been brought to our attention. We have, for instance, provided additional support directly and through Partnerships UK for those schools and authorities which had contracts with Jarvis plc., and where there were undoubtedly exceptional problems because of the financial difficulties of that firm.
	Ensuring satisfactory delivery of the services included in a private finance initiative contract is the responsibility of the authority which is signatory to the contract. However, the Department is always happy to advise and support where there are individual problems that cannot be resolved locally. It also continues to work with Her Majesty's Treasury and with other Departments to improve the delivery of public services through private finance initiatives. This is done by a process of continuous improvement of the contracts, and also by providing additional support through the recently formed Operational Task Force. This will support and intervene on wider structural issues like benchmarking, market testing, payment mechanisms and variations.

Private Finance Initiative

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether his Department has undertaken a study to evaluate the amount of  (a) time and  (b) money spent by schools and local education authorities on the administration of private finance initiative contracts.

Jim Knight: The Department published last autumn a study on "Post-Signature PFI Contracts", commissioned from Partnerships UK, which is available through:
	www.teachernet.gov.uk/schoolsprivatefinanceinitiative
	This shows that overall the schools and authorities surveyed are satisfied with the services which are delivered through their private finance initiative contracts. However, it also reports some areas for improvement, and makes a series of recommendations which the Department accepts and is acting upon.
	One area for improvement is the high level of resources some schools and authorities have to devote to maintaining their contracts. In March, Her Majesty's Treasury published "PFI: Strengthening Long-term Partnerships", which supported our own findings. Among its recommendations are that authorities should plan to give a proper level of resources to operational contacts. It also announced the formation of a PFI Operational Taskforce with cross-government backing, including from the Department, to provide greater support to projects that are already operational.
	The Department will continue to work with Her Majesty's Treasury and with authorities and schools, directly and through Partnerships UK, to support them and ensure that schools benefit as intended from their private finance initiative contracts.

Private Finance Initiative

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether his Department has undertaken a study to assess the compliance of private finance initiative contractors with the terms of their contracts.

Jim Knight: All private finance initiative contracts include mechanisms for ensuring that the private sector partner delivers the services which are contracted, with financial penalties imposed where this does not happen. Contracts are made between individual authorities and the private sector partners, and the Department does not monitor them.
	In autumn 2004, the Department published a "Post-signature Review" of schools private finance initiative projects which it had commissioned from Partnerships UK. This showed that overall there was satisfaction with the quality of buildings and services delivered by the operational contracts at the schools and authorities surveyed, but it also highlighted some areas where improvement could be made, and made a series of recommendations which the Department accepted and has acted on. Many of the lessons which this survey highlighted had already been included in more recent contracts. This survey is available through:
	www.teachernet.gov.uk/schoolsprivatefinanceinitiative
	These findings were also borne out in a further study which Her Majesty's Treasury published at the time of this year's Budget, "PR: Strengthening the Long-term Partnerships". This paper included setting up an Operational Task Force to support and intervene where there are major issues.

Private Finance Initiative

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the quality of the buildings being constructed under a private finance initiative contract at Cumberland School in the London borough of Newham.

Jim Knight: Private finance initiative contracts are made between local authorities and the private sector partner, following a due procurement procedure which includes consideration of design and value for money. Design details are decided locally, and the local authority has responsibility for ensuring that the private sector partner delivers to the output specified in the contract. The private sector partner has of course the responsibility for fully maintaining and repairing the building throughout the length of the contract. Contracts include mechanisms for financial penalty where the private sector partner does not deliver to contract.
	We work closely with the Commissioners for Architecture and the Built Environment and other bodies with design interests. We have recently published Design Quality Indicators for school buildings, after consultation with relevant bodies. We strongly encourage all local authorities to use these resources.

Recycling

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what  (a) grants are available for and  (b) assistance is offered by (i) his Department and (ii) its agencies to schools and colleges for the promotion of education about recycling.

Jim Knight: On 15 May the Department launched a consultation for a framework of action for schools to become models of sustainable development in their communities. One of the key areas covered is developing sustainable policies on purchasing and waste by increasing recycling and conservation. The consultation will run until 1 September. By 2020, our aim is for all schools to be models of resource efficiency, recycling, repairing and reusing as much as possible.
	Our sustainable schools website being launched on 9 June will include a section on grants available to promote sustainable development projects in schools. The site identifies approaches to the challenge of sustainability, award schemes, learning resources, training opportunities, research and local support.

School Meals

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent assessment he has made of the benefits of using omega 3 and 6 fish oil supplements in school meals.

Jim Knight: The Food Standards Agency comments as follows:
	"The Food Standards Agency is currently conducting a systematic review of research looking at the effect of nutrition and diet on performance and behaviour of children in schools. This includes investigating studies that have used omega 3 and 6 fish oil supplements in schools.
	Government is committed to ensure that children are provided with the food and nutrients they require during the school day and as such has recently published minimum standards for school food."

School Meals

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what support he provides to councils who wish to introduce initiatives to improve the health benefits of school meals.

Jim Knight: The School Food Trust will work with local authorities, and others, to understand and where possible overcome the barriers to transforming school food, and to develop a strategy to increase the demand for healthier food in schools. The School Food Trust will produce guidance for local authorities and schools. This will supplement the 'Food in Schools Toolkit' which includes materials and guidance on, for example, tuck shops, before/after school clubs, water provision and the dining room environment.
	In addition DfES has:
	published guidance on procuring healthy school meals and other school food;
	established a School Food Reference Group, which consists mainly of local authority officials from across the country who are involved in school meals, to help identify issues and problems and share good practice;
	compiled and made available a number of case studies to give examples of how particular schools and local authorities have implemented healthy eating initiatives;
	put in place a Level 1 Vocationally Related Qualification which aims to give school cooks and caterers the basic knowledge and skills to deliver a healthier meals service. We are also developing qualifications at Levels 2 and 3 in cooking skills which will be available from September 2006 and form part of the Training and Development Agency's Support Worker in Schools qualification.

Schools (Pre-1970 Construction)

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which schools in  (a) Southend on Sea,  (b) Essex,  (c) Hertfordshire and  (d) the Metropolitan Police area of London were built before 1970; and when.

Jim Knight: The information requested has been placed in the House Libraries.

Student Loans

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the total value is of payments made by people repaying student loans but not allocated to student loan accounts in each year since 2002; what the total amount outstanding is; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: Student loans are collected by employers alongside income tax and national insurance contributions and passed to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs. At the end of each financial year, HMRC reconciles the loan repayments and passes the information to the Student Loans Company which updates borrowers' accounts. In a small number of cases, HMRC needs to check the returns made by employers, and this can lead to delay in sending statements to borrowers.
	There are no outstanding reconciliations relating to 2002-03 or earlier years; some 1,500 accounts (0.4 per cent. of the total) have still to be reconciled from 2003-04 with a value of about £400,000. HMRC expects to have reconciled nearly all of the 2004-05 returns by the end of June 2006.
	The total amount of student loans outstanding at the end of financial year 2004-05 under the income contingent repayment scheme was £14,147 million. This includes loans not yet due for repayment: borrowers are not required to repay until they are earning £15,000 or more per annum(1).
	(1 )This figure also includes hardship loans and loans made to part-time students but does not include amounts lent under the old mortgage style loans system.

CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Coroners

Norman Baker: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will list coroners in England; what the date of appointment of each was; and how many inquests each has performed.

Harriet Harman: This information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Court Orders (Repossessions)

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many court orders have been issued for the repossession of homes in Coventry, South in each of the last five years.

Harriet Harman: Although figures for Coventry, South constituency are not available, the following table shows the number of mortgage possession orders made at Coventry county court in the last five years. This is the only such court in the Coventry area.
	The civil procedure rules provide that all claims for the repossession of land must be commenced in the district in which the land is situated. However, Coventry county court covers areas other than Coventry, South and therefore not all possession actions entered in that court necessarily relate to the Coventry, South area.
	These figures do not indicate how many houses have been repossessed through the courts, since not all the orders will have resulted in the issue and execution of warrants of possession.
	
		
			  Number of mortgage( 1)  possession orders made at Coventry county court, 2001-05 
			   Possession orders made( 2) 
			 2001 147 
			 2002 132 
			 2003 137 
			 2004 153 
			 2005 242 
			 (1) Local authority and private (2 )The court, following a judicial hearing, may grant an order for possession immediately. This entitles the claimant to apply for a warrant to have the defendant evicted. However, even where a warrant for possession is issued, the parties can still negotiate a compromise to prevent eviction.

Departmental Staff

David Simpson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what incentives her Department offers to encourage staff to share vehicles when travelling to work.

Vera Baird: Vehicle sharing is one of a number of green transport initiatives the DCA promotes, often within a site specific travel plan. The DCA researches and disseminates publications to its staff such as "Making car sharing and car clubs work" and "Making Smarter Choices Work" and encourages the promotion of travel planning and inclusion of car sharing and car club schemes. Other measures supporting sustainable travel include secure cycle parking and showers and events to promote walking and cycling etc. Interest free loans for bicycles are also available to staff to encourage more sustainable travel.
	DCA is also a member of a Civil Service Travel Group, which comprises all major Government Departments. Its key aim is to improve travel sustainability across the entire civil service by developing and delivering on action plans for each Department.

Divorce

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many divorces there have been in Coventry, South in each ethnic group in each year since 2000.

Harriet Harman: The divorce information requested is not collected centrally by constituency area. In addition, the ethnicity of the parties is not collected at all. Therefore it could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Elections

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what steps the Government took to tackle electoral fraud in the local elections.

Bridget Prentice: The Government take the issue of electoral fraud seriously, and prior to the elections worked with administrators, the Electoral Commission, the police, and the political parties on improving both the legislation and practical awareness and responsiveness to the issue on the ground.
	Regulations were passed prior to the May 2006 local elections which contained measures to tackle fraud, including:
	A requirement for Electoral administrators to write to everyone who has applied for a postal vote acknowledging receipt of their application and confirming the outcome—thus alerting people to false applications for postal votes on their behalf.
	Giving administrators more time to check postal vote applications—people now have to apply for a postal vote 11 working days before the close of poll, (rather than six days as previously).
	In addition, the Electoral Commission and the Association of Chief Police Officers produced practical guidance for police forces on the prevention and detection of electoral fraud, and the Commission produced a Code of Conduct on the handling of postal vote applications and ballots, which the major political parties signed up to.

Freedom of Information Requests

Norman Baker: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 have been referred to the Access to Information Central Clearing House since 1 January 2005, broken down by Department; and what percentage of requests received by each Department this represents.

Harriet Harman: This information is contained in the 'First Annual Report on the operation of the Freedom of Information Act in Central Government in 2005' which was published on 22 May and can be found at www.foi.gov.uk.

Ministerial Travel (Accommodation)

David Simpson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what discounts are available in relation to hotel accommodation used by  (a) civil servants and  (b) special advisers in her Department.

Vera Baird: My Department has access to a contract for hotel booking services in connection with official travel undertaken by the Department's staff. Figures available for the year ending December 2005 show a saving to my Department of 38 per cent. compared with the full room rates. My Department also benefits from a rebate of 3 per cent. of the annual expenditure on the contract.
	All bookings made by the Department for Special Advisors share the same discounts.

Post-mortems

Norman Baker: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what factors decide who should carry out a post-mortem.

Harriet Harman: Any decision will rest with the coroner, who may be expected to take into account the availability and experience of pathologists, as well as the views of others. Rule 6 of the Coroners Rules 1984 sets out the criteria.

Private Members' Bills

David Amess: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will list those Private Members' Bills in respect of which her Department adopted a policy of neutrality in each session since 2001-02; and if she will make a statement.

Vera Baird: My Department adopted a neutral stance on the Human Rights Act 1998 (Making of Remedial Orders) Amendment Bill from the 2003-04 session. The Bill completed all stages in the House of Lords but was dropped before second reading in the House of Commons.

Private Sector Fund Recipients

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will list the 10 non-public sector entities that have received the largest total sum of payments from her Department in each of the last five years.

Vera Baird: The 10 non-public sector entities that have received the largest total sum of payments from my Department in the financial year 2005-06 were as follows:
	Electronic Data Systems Ltd
	Fujitsu Services
	Liberata UK Ltd
	Accenture UK Ltd
	National Westminster Bank Ltd — (as Government Procurement Card provider)
	Gartside Ltd
	Land Securities Properties Ltd
	Kelly Services (UK) Ltd
	Initial Security Ltd
	The Techologies Group
	This analysis excludes payments made by the Department's executive non-departmental public bodies, for example, the Legal Services Commission.
	Information for 2001-05 would require the commissioning of a special report which could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Unspent Budget

David Simpson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how much of the budget for her Department remained unspent in the 2005-06 financial year.

Vera Baird: The Department's underspend against its DEL budget will be included in the Provisional Outturn White Paper, which is due to be published before the summer recess in July.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

China

Greg Hands: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1)  what steps he has taken through the China Task Force to promote human rights and non-violent responses to demonstrators in China;
	(2)  what representations he has made to his Chinese counterparts in the China Task Force on promoting women's rights in the People's Republic of China.

John Prescott: The Government regularly raises human rights concerns with Chinese interlocutors, through ministerial engagement, the UK-China Human Rights Dialogue and EU mechanisms.
	The China Task Force makes recommendations to the Government on its policy towards China in seven key areas: trade and investment, education, science and technology, health, culture, environment and sustainable development, and development issues. Its remit does not cover human rights issues.

China

Greg Hands: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what work the China Task Force has undertaken to combat climate change.

John Prescott: During the 2004 UK-China summit, the China Task Force proposed the creation of a UK-China Working Group on climate change, focusing on four key areas: the review and development of ongoing climate science collaboration between the UK and China, energy efficiency, the restructuring of the energy market towards a low carbon future, and adaptation mechanisms.
	Sustainable development is also an important part of the China Task Force's remit. The Task Force instigated the UK-China High-level Dialogue on Sustainable Development during President Hu's State Visit in November 2005. This Dialogue provides a framework for further work with China on Sustainable Development issues affecting climate change, including Sustainable consumption and production and energy for Sustainable development.

China

Greg Hands: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he last met Tang Jiaxuan to discuss the work of the China Task Force.

John Prescott: I last met State Councillor Tang on 21 February this year in Beijing, and had extensive talks on a number of Task Force areas, and discussions on how we can best take forward Task Force recommendations.
	I will be contacting Councillor Tang over the summer on how best to take forward the priorities of the China Task Force in the UK, and the UK Task Force in China.

China

Greg Hands: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what discussions he has had through the China Task Force on combating avian influenza in  (a) China and  (b) the UK.

John Prescott: The remit of the China Task Force was expanded in October 2005 to include Health. The China Task Force discussed epidemics in China at its October meeting last year. In February this year I visited Ditan Hospital, a leading infectious disease hospital in Beijing. I was accompanied by Chinese Health Minister Gao Qiang and discussed preparations China is making to handle the possible emergence of a pandemic influenza strain.

China

Greg Hands: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the work of the China Task Force.

John Prescott: At the request of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, the China Task Force was created in 2003 and I was asked to be its chair.
	The Task Force has developed into a high level contact mechanism, which is recognised and valued by the Chinese Government. It has contributed fresh thinking on Government policy on China in the areas under its remit, and made recommendations on the further development of those policies. The Task Force has added value to a number of key issues, including an agreement to annual Prime Minister level UK-China summits, the signature of a Sustainable Development Dialogue, and support of strategic progress in key trade and investment sectors.
	At the end of 2005 UK exports to China grew by 16 per cent., which was faster than all our EU competitors except France.

Ministerial Meetings

David Davies: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what meetings he attended in  (a) Shanghai relating to the 2010 International Expo and  (b) Beijing relating to the 2008 Olympics; and what the outcome of the meetings was.

John Prescott: During my visit to China this February, I had a meeting in Beijing with Liu Qi, President of the Beijing Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and visited part of the Olympic site. We discussed work under way to establish a "sustainability bridge" linking London and Beijing's Olympic games. This will involve an exchange of expertise and good practice on how we are respectively approaching the sustainable development dimensions of the Games, complementing other ongoing initiatives.
	In Shanghai, I held a meeting with Mayor Man at which we discussed EXPO 2010. We discussed the possible use of United Kingdom expertise in developing the project.

Ministerial Travel

David Davies: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his findings in relation to his trip to China in February; what the itinerary was; and what the cost was.

John Prescott: During my trip to China in February I undertook 28 engagements across five cities, covering all of the themes of the China Task Force, including meetings with Premier Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, State Councillor Tang and Donald Tsang, Chief Executive of Hong Kong.
	The engagements covered issues such as health, education, sustainable development, urban regeneration, and the Olympics as well as maintaining high level political contacts.
	Since 1999 the Government have published an annual list of all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing £500 or more during each financial year and total costs of all ministerial overseas travel. Copies are available in the Library.

Ministerial Travel

Norman Baker: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many miles he travelled in his ministerial car in April.

John Prescott: This information is not collected centrally. All ministerial travel is undertaken in accordance with the guidance "Travel by Ministers".

CABINET OFFICE

Consultants

Nick Brown: To ask the Minister without Portfolio what advice she receives from consultants and public relations companies when providing strategic thinking on the general direction of Government policy and the values underpinning it; what contract Portland PR has to assist with these responsibilities; what contractual relationship she has with a public relations company which wholly or in part assists with the discharging of her ministerial responsibilities; and what the terms are of the contract.

Hazel Blears: I have not appointed any consultants.

Pensions

David Simpson: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many and what percentage of staff in her Department are making additional voluntary contributions to their pension.

Hilary Armstrong: Members of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (PCSPS) can pay additional contributions to top up their pension either through the Civil Service Additional Voluntary Contributions Scheme (CSAVCS), a money purchase arrangement, or by buying added years of service in the PCSPS, As an alternative to membership of the PCSPS recruits from 1 October 2002 have been able to join a stakeholder arrangement, the partnership pension account.
	The number and percentage of staff in the Department who are making additional voluntary contributions to their pension as at 30 April 2006 are shown in the table.
	
		
			   Number  Percentage 
			 CSAVCS 30 1.6 
			 Added Years 87 4.6 
			 Partnership 35 1.8

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

1976 Drought (Economic Impact)

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of lessons to be learned from the economic impact of the 1976 drought on the UK economy;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the impact on the economy of a stand-pipe regime under a drought order in London and the South East; and if he will make a statement.

Ian Pearson: I am not aware of any assessment undertaken of the economic impacts of the 1976 drought.
	Standpipes for the supply of water can only be authorised through an emergency drought order. The likelihood of any such orders being required as a consequence of the current drought in South East England is very small.

Animal Welfare

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what factors were taken into account when deciding which measures relating to animal welfare should be included in the Government's preferred options for the England Rural Development Programme 2007 to 2013;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the impact on animal welfare standards of the preferred options for the England Rural Development Programme 2007 to 2013;
	(3)  whether he took account of the animal welfare measures to be included in the Rural Development Programmes for Wales and Scotland in determining the England Rural Development Programme 2007 to 2013.

Barry Gardiner: The recent consultation on the priorities for the next Rural Development Programme for England was informed by our extensive analysis of economic, environmental and social issues facing rural areas.
	In line with this principle, we proposed that the most effective way to use the next Rural Development Programme in England to address our animal health and welfare objectives, as part of our wider aim of making farming more competitive and sustainable, is through increased opportunities for training and knowledge transfer.
	We shall make decisions on the priorities for the next Rural Development Programme in England in the light of the responses to the consultation, and in the context of the EU Rural Development budget allocations and our own discussions on the use of voluntary modulation and associated match funding.
	There will continue to be separate Rural Development Programmes for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland for the new programming period, 2007-2013. This is necessary to reflect the different priorities and needs identified within each part of the UK.

Avian Influenza

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether John Pointon and Sons Ltd. have been appointed as renderers to deal with the carcasses of birds affected by avian influenza; and whether the company has a valid licence.

Ben Bradshaw: John Pointon and Sons Ltd. have not been appointed as renderers to deal with the carcasses of birds affected by avian influenza. However, they are on the list of potentially suitable renderers that would be approached in the event of an outbreak of a notifiable exotic disease. The company is expected to apply to the Environment Agency for a permit under the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations 2000.

Badgers/Bovine Tuberculosis

Eric Martlew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the most accurate methods of estimating the badger population are; and what the margins of error are.

Ben Bradshaw: For small scale surveys, of individual or a small number of social groups, Defra-funded research has used DNA fingerprinting of faecal samples obtained from badger latrines to identify the number of individuals present. Due to cost this method is not appropriate for use over large areas.
	Widescale national surveys have been based on counting the number of active badger setts, but this method cannot identify the number of animals using each sett and is insensitive to changes in social group size. In these circumstances night-time lamping surveys can be used to estimate badger densities on pasture. The margins of error of each method depend on the number of samples collected and no generalisations can be made.

Badgers/Bovine Tuberculosis

Rob Marris: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the success of methods of containing bovine tuberculosis other than the culling of badgers;
	(2)  what evidence he has assessed on the effectiveness of alternatives to badger culling in significantly reducing bovine tuberculosis.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 23 May 2006
	The Government have assessed and implemented a range of alternative measures to reduce bovine tuberculosis (TB):
	In addition to the routine TB testing programme prescribed by EU legislation, we introduced compulsory pre-movement testing of cattle in England on 27 March to help reduce the risk of spreading TB through cattle movements. The legislation applies to cattle over 15 months of age moving from one and two year tested herds (phase 1 of the policy). It will be extended to movements of cattle over 42 days old on 1 March 2007 (phase 2). We estimate that phase 1 will achieve a reduction in new TB incidents of about 500 each year, with reductions of about 700 under phase 2.
	We plan to extend the use of the gamma interferon test as an adjunct to the TB skin test in order to improve diagnosis of the disease.
	We have a wide-ranging research programme in place looking at developing a TB vaccine for cattle and badgers, and investigating ways to limit interactions between cattle and badgers.
	Based on the findings of past research, DEFRA has issued farmers with guidelines on good husbandry practices to try to minimise the transmission of bovine TB. More details are available on the DEFRA website: www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/tb/abouttb/index.htm#protect

Badgers/Bovine Tuberculosis

Rob Marris: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of the potential costs of bovine tuberculosis outbreaks caused by the perturbation effect resulting from badger culling; and whether these costs were included in the cost-benefit analysis included with his Department's consultation document.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 23 May 2006
	The partial regulatory impact assessment and cost benefit analysis published with our "Consultation on controlling the spread of bovine tuberculosis in cattle in high incidence areas in England" made clear that the potential cost of any perturbation effect was not included as data were not available at the time.
	The existing cost-benefit model is now being updated to include the effects of perturbation resulting from badger culling.

Badgers/Bovine Tuberculosis

Rob Marris: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in what ways he takes into account public opinion in determining the Government's policies on bovine tuberculosis control.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 25 May 2006
	The 'Government strategic framework for the sustainable control of bovine tuberculosis in Great Britain', published in March 2005, sets out our commitment to work in partnership with our stakeholders, including farmers, consumers, vets, wildlife groups and conservation groups, in developing policies on bovine tuberculosis (bTB).
	We worked closely with stakeholder groups in developing the Strategic Framework itself, and in developing our policy for pre-movement testing in England. Between December 2005 and March 2006 we consulted on the principle and method of badger culling in high incidence areas of England, and held a number of citizens' panels to provide further information to feed into the consultation process.
	On 6 March we held our first annual bTB meeting for Great Britain, which allowed a two-way exchange of information between the Government and our stakeholders on the latest bTB developments and provided opportunities for constructive discussion. In addition, we are in the process of setting up a new national bTB stakeholder body to advise on the development and delivery of new bTB policies.

Badgers/Bovine Tuberculosis

Rob Marris: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  how his Department plans to weight responses to the consultation document 'Controlling the Spread of Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle in High Incidence Areas in England: Badger Culling';
	(2)  how many responses were received to the consultation document 'Controlling the Spread of Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle in High Incidence Areas in England: Badger Culling' by  (a) post,  (b) email,  (c) telephone,  (d) e-petition and  (e) other methods.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 25 May 2006
	47,474 consultation responses were received by post and email; further responses were received in the form of petitions. The specific method was not recorded for each response as it is not relevant to the analytical process.
	Responses are not being weighted. They are classified and analysed by the type of respondent (e.g. stakeholder or public) and the content of the response (e.g. standard campaign letter, brief yes or no statement or detailed response).

Badgers/Bovine Tuberculosis

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions his Department has had with Prionics AG since its acquisition of the Bovigam gamma interferon bovine tuberculosis test; and what alternatives to this test are available to the Department.

Ben Bradshaw: The Veterinary Laboratories Agency is working closely with Prionics to refine the Bovigam test and further evaluate its performance. There are currently no equally sensitive alternative blood-based tests.

Badgers/Bovine Tuberculosis

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the terms of reference are for the current trials using snares for catching badgers; where the trials are being conducted; and when  (a) the trials will end and  (b) the results will be published.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 25 May 2006
	The objective of the current trial is to assess whether a specially designed body snare for badgers is an effective and humane method of restraint. The body snare is intended to be non-lethal and the purpose of the proposed trials is to assess the snare. The study will follow the principles laid down in the draft EU Directive on Humane Trapping Standards whereby the humaneness of a trapping device is first assessed under controlled conditions in pen trials before, if its humaneness is deemed to be acceptable, field trials of the device are conducted to confirm its humaneness and to assess its efficacy and non-target risks. The aim is to release all captured badgers taken during the trial back into the wild unharmed.
	Pen trials have now been completed and field trials have commenced. Following completion of the trials and peer review a full report will be published by the end of the summer.
	Research in relation to wildlife can be sensitive and controversial. There are real concerns over the security of the sites and the personal safety of the staff involved in this particular work and therefore I regret that I cannot supply this information.

Badgers/Bovine Tuberculosis

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the most recent statistics are for the incidence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle; what assessment he has made of the impact on the results of the use of new tuberculin in tests; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 25 May 2006
	Latest provisional statistics show that the estimated incidence of bovine TB in Great Britain was 2.9 per cent. in the first quarter of 2006, compared to 4.8 per cent. in the same period of 2005 and 3.4 per cent. in 2004(1).
	It is too early at present to draw any conclusions about the reduction in incidence from 2005 to 2006, as this may be due to one of a range of reasons or a combination of factors. The possible causes are currently under investigation.
	(1) Confirmed new herd incidents as a percentage of tests on unrestricted herds. Provisional data downloaded from DEFRA's animal health database (Vetnet) on 24 May 2006. Subject to change as more data become available.

Badgers/Bovine Tuberculosis

Rob Marris: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the extent to which the total eradication of bovine tuberculosis is achievable.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 24 May 2006
	The 'Government Strategic Framework for the sustainable control of bovine TB in Great Britain', published in early 2005, focuses on our assessment of what is achievable within a 10-year timeframe. The vision set out in the Strategic Framework is to slow down and prevent the geographic spread of bovine TB to areas currently free of the disease, and achieve a sustained reduction in disease incidence in cattle in high incidence areas.

Badgers/Bovine Tuberculosis

Rob Marris: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what definition his Department uses of  (a) satisfactory,  (b) control,  (c) reduction, and  (d) contain in its summary of the advice from veterinary surgeons in the report Controlling the Spread of Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle in High Incidence Areas in England: Badger Culling.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 24 May 2006
	The definitions the department have used are as follows:
	Satisfactory: disease control and humaneness requirements are met by the policy.
	Control: a halt in the increase in the incidence of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in cattle.
	Reduction: a decline in the number of outbreaks of bTB in cattle in high incidence areas.
	Contain: prevention of the spread and establishment of bTB in cattle herds in areas clear or with a low incidence of TB in England.

Badgers/Bovine Tuberculosis

Ann Widdecombe: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what the total coalesced land area involved would be if  (a) badger culling boundaries were set at (i) one kilometre and (ii) 2.5 kilometres from the boundaries of all tuberculosis-infected farms in England and  (b) if badger culling areas of 300 square kilometres were established around the boundaries of all such farms, using 2005 as the reference year;
	(2)  what the total coalesced land area is in the example of coalescence over  (a) one kilometre and  (b) 2.5 kilometres from the boundaries of farms in high tuberculosis incidence areas in England, in Figure 3, page 37, of the consultation document, Controlling the Spread of Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle in High Incidence Areas in England: Badger Culling.

Ben Bradshaw: holding answer 23 May 2006
	The area covered by a cull would be dependent on the culling policy. No decision has been taken on whether to introduce a culling policy nor the precise way this would be done.
	The Government have made it clear that if a decision was to be taken to cull badgers to reduce the incidence of bovine tuberculosis (bTB), culling would be limited to land in high incidence areas in England, (i.e. with repeated herd breakdown) and not to any farm infected with bTB.
	The maps of coalesced culling areas presented in the consultation document, "Controlling the Spread of Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle in High Incidence Areas in England: Badger Culling", are for illustrative purposes only. The coalesced area they illustrate is based on only one possible approach to culling and is estimated as a range of 19,650 km(2)-25,200 km(2).

Bridleways

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when guidance was last issued to local authorities on the use of traffic regulation orders to counter unauthorised motorised vehicles on bridleways.

Barry Gardiner: Guidance was last issued in December 2005. It is contained within "Regulating the use of motor vehicles on public rights of way and off road—A guide for Local Authorities, Police and Community Safety Partnerships".

Buncefield

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment the Government have made of the effect on the local environment of perfluorooctane sulphonate use during the Buncefield Depot fire.

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment the Government have made of the effect on the local environment of the use of perfluorooctane sulphonate during the Buncefield Depot fire.

Ian Pearson: The Environment Agency started to monitor for perfluorooctance sulfonate (PFOS) in the vicinity of the site following the fire in order to give a better understanding of the impact of the incident on the environment.
	The agency has been closely monitoring the River Ver, and have detected low levels of PFOS in the river both during and after the Buncefield incident. No evidence to date has been observed of any impact on fish or other wildlife in the river as a result of this contaminant.
	Water samples have been taken from the network of groundwater boreholes both on the Buncefield site and in the surrounding area. These samples have also shown evidence of the presence of PFOS mainly at low levels or below the limit of detection. Two samples however showed elevated levels of PFOS at 4.5 and 5.9 micrograms/litre. Repeat testing of the sample giving the higher result, showed a much lower level of 0.20 micrograms/litre.
	The latest results of this groundwater monitoring were the subject of an Environment Agency press release on Friday 12 May. Details can be found on the agency website at: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/1387272.
	The agency has instigated a significant programme of work to further monitor the presence and extent of PFOS in both surface and ground waters in the environment around Buncefield. This programme will also look at background levels of PFOS in the wider environment in England and Wales.
	The Environment Agency will continue to make public its findings as they emerge.

Corporate Hospitality

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on how many occasions he has accepted corporate hospitality in the last 12 months.

Barry Gardiner: Paragraph 5.28 of the Ministerial Code sets out the rules on the registration of hospitality.

Correspondence

Patrick McLoughlin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he will reply to the letters of 8 March and 18 April 2006 from the right hon. Member for West Derbyshire concerning a constituent Mr. John Wood of Winster, Derbyshire, and legislation in respect of the protection of bats.

Barry Gardiner: I apologise for the delay in replying to the right hon. Member's letter. A response will be issued shortly.

Countryside Access

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many applications were made under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 for new rights of access in each district of Gloucestershire in each year since the Act came into force; and how many were successful.

Barry Gardiner: holding answer 25 May 2006
	I assume that the question seeks the number of appeals made either in relation to the mapping of land as open country and registered common land or decisions on restrictions and exclusions of the right of access under Part I of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Defra does not hold figures for either type of appeal broken down by local authority district, or by local authority area. This information could be provided only at a disproportionate cost.

Emissions Trading

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans he has to discuss changes to the EU emissions trading scheme with his EU counterparts.

Ian Pearson: The Government continues to support the Commission in its efforts to improve and strengthen the EU Emissions Trading Scheme in the longer term, including work to include aviation emissions in the scheme. The UK works closely with the Commission's Aviation Working Group, which is considering how best to include aviation in the scheme. We are continuing to press the Commission to present a legislative proposal by the end of 2006.
	The UK welcomes the review of the scheme that the Commission is undertaking. This will be a key opportunity for the Commission to strengthen the scheme post-2012 by mapping out a long-term policy framework that will help create security and confidence for business and facilitate significant investment in cleaner technologies. The Government are already considering their priorities for the review and intend to work closely with the Commission and other member states throughout the process. We look forward to the Commission's report this summer outlining how the work will be taken forward.

Energy Efficiency

Kitty Ussher: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of the contribution that energy efficiency could make to meeting the Government's climate change targets.

Ian Pearson: Energy efficiency is an integral part of our action to tackle climate change. We have a strong package of energy efficiency policies and measures, as most recently updated in the 2006 Climate Change Programme, which will deliver savings of 10.2 million tonnes of carbon per year across the economy by 2010. This will equate to between 36 and 43 per cent. of the overall carbon savings in the Climate Change Programme, depending on the level of savings delivered through the EU Emissions Trading Scheme.
	We expect energy efficiency to continue delivering against our climate change goals on a similar scale throughout the next decade.

Energy Saving Accreditation

Shahid Malik: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is taking to extend energy saving recommended accreditation to consumer electronic goods.

Ian Pearson: The Energy Saving Trust's Energy Saving Recommended (ESR) scheme was extended to cover consumer electronic goods in January 2006 when integrated digital TVs were added. To date nine manufacturers have been successful in securing endorsement for 90 products.
	The Energy Saving Trust hopes to be able to extend the range of consumer electronic products covered by ESR later this year. Priorities include integrated digital recording equipment and set top boxes.

English Nature

Philip Dunne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of the funding provided by English Nature for land managers in upland areas and commons was spent  (a) on grants to farmers and  (b) in administration expenses in each year since 2001.

Barry Gardiner: English Nature does not separately record the administrative costs incurred in setting up agreements. However, the Wildlife Enhancement Scheme was specifically designed to reduce administrative costs by the use of standard agreements and standard payments. Prior to this, each agreement was individually negotiated and could take up to a year to complete.

Environment Agency (Flood Defences)

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much funding was made available in 2005 to the West Midlands division of the Environment Agency for flood defences.

Ian Pearson: £19.1 million was allocated to Environment Agency flood defence projects and maintenance works in the West Midlands area in the financial year 2005-06.

Environmental Protection Act

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will make a statement on the operation of section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990; what recent representations he has received about the operation of this  (a) section and  (b) Act; and what amendments have been made to the Act.

Ben Bradshaw: Section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 allows a person with a complaint of statutory nuisance, for example, noise, smell or smoke, to take private action through the magistrates court. If the court agrees that a statutory nuisance exists and/or is likely to recur, it will issue an abatement notice on the person responsible for the nuisance, requiring that the nuisance be ceased or abated within a specified timescale. It may, but does not have to, specify the steps to be taken. Anyone causing a statutory nuisance could also be liable to a fine.
	The statutory nuisance provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 have been amended by measures implemented on 6 April 2006 in the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, which introduce insects, and artificial light, to the list of potential statutory nuisances. The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 also introduces an optional seven-day deferral for serving of an abatement notice for statutory nuisance from noise in order to pursue alternative steps before formal action is taken.
	The Government work as a matter of course with stakeholders and, on statutory nuisance from noise in particular, we will be seeking stakeholder views on the Noise Strategy, which will be the subject of full public consultation early in 2007.
	A large number of amendments have been made to the 1990 Environmental Protection Act and the cost of collating a list would be disproportionate. As there is no central record of representations received by the Department that would enable officials to identify those about the operation of the whole Act, it would also incur disproportionate cost to do so.

Factory Farming

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the welfare conditions of  (a) factory farmed poultry,  (b) egg-laying hens in battery cages and  (c) factory farmed fish.

Ben Bradshaw: This Government are committed to high standards of farm animal welfare. In Great Britain, we have some of the strictest legislation in the EU to protect the welfare of farmed animals.
	The State Veterinary Service (SVS) conducts regular programmed inspections of farmed premises to check the welfare of poultry. All complaints and allegations about poor welfare on-farm are investigated. In addition, a range of Government-funded research and advisory programmes are supporting our commitment to high standards of animal welfare.
	The Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI) undertakes regular inspections of premises in England and Wales to check on the health and welfare of farmed fish and shellfish. Defra has funded a number of research projects on fish welfare. This includes work to develop a non-invasive procedure that can be used by fish farmers to establish whether the welfare of their fish has been compromised.

Farm Subsidies

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much has been paid in subsidies to farmers in Bassetlaw directly by  (a) the Government and  (b) the EU or its predecessors in each of the last 30 years.

Barry Gardiner: This information is not kept on a constituency basis, and information we do hold could be gathered only at disproportionate cost.

Fisheries

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the average time taken to enter fisheries data on to the fisheries database was  (a) in the last period for which figures are available and  (b) in each year since 1997.

Ben Bradshaw: The Marine Fisheries Agency has an operational target to enter all information from fish markets, merchants, fishing log books, landing declarations and sales notes on to the fisheries database within five working days of receipt. This target relates to the processing of returns for which no follow-up or investigative action is required to resolve errors or anomalies.
	The capture of information on the date of receipt of forms at port offices was introduced in April 2003, and information for earlier periods cannot be provided.
	
		
			  Period  Percentage of forms entered within five working days 
			 2003-04 81.2 
			 2004-05 95.1 
			 2005-06 94.5

Foot and Mouth

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will make an assessment of the likelihood of a recurrence of foot and mouth disease; which countries have outbreaks; and what procedures are in place to prevent food imports from those countries.

Ben Bradshaw: The risk of the introduction of foot and mouth disease (FMD) to Great Britain remains low.
	A very large number of countries experience regular foot and mouth outbreaks. We carry out constant surveillance of the animal health situation around the world, and publish preliminary outbreak assessments, qualitative risk assessments and summary reports on our website:
	www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/monitoring/index.htm
	All animals and animal products from countries outside the European Union are checked when imported to ensure they meet the necessary veterinary import conditions. Since 2003, additional resources have been made available to tackle illegal imports of products of animal origin. This increased enforcement activity has resulted in a three-fold increase in seizures. Enforcement is based on risk, including information provided by Defra on the animal health situation around the world, with assessments on new disease outbreaks.

Forest Certification Schemes

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 23 May 2006 to question 72426, on forest certification schemes, what representations the Prime Minister of Australia made to  (a) the Prime Minister and  (b) other Government Ministers on the programme for the endorsement of forest certification schemes.

Barry Gardiner: The Prime Minister of Australia wrote to the Prime Minister expressing concern over the UK Government's assessment of the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC) and the impact that could have on the procurement of Australian forest products.
	My hon. Friend the Member for Scunthorpe (Mr. Morley), Elliot Morley, then Minister of State for Climate Change and Environment met with Senator the Hon. Eric Abetz, Australian Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation, to discuss this matter.
	Senator Abetz and other officials were able to clarify how the PEFC requirements are adopted and applied in Australia. The clarification of Australia's position was valuable in helping to consider the effectiveness of recent changes made by the PEFC scheme to its system requirements.

GM Crops

Michael Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the Government will base the co-existence and liability regime governing the growing of GM crops in England on the assumption that the growing of GM crops may become widespread.

Ian Pearson: We cannot be certain about the extent to which authorised GM crops may be grown in England in the future. However, our assumption is that this would start off at a relatively low level, becoming more widespread over time if there is market acceptance. We will review the coexistence regime introduced for England in the light of developments in the scale of any GM cropping. On-going Defra and EU research will also provide more evidence to help us judge what coexistence measures might be needed if GM crops become widespread.

H5 Virus

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many separate cases of the H5 virus have been discovered in the UK since 1997.

Ben Bradshaw: Two. Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza was detected in a parrot in a quarantine facility in Essex in October 2005 and a swan in Cellardyke, Scotland in April 2006.

Live Calves (Export)

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 23 March 2006 to the hon. Member for Dover (Gwyn Prosser),  Official Report, column 485W, on live calves (export), what steps he has taken to assist farmers to rear and market veal calves in the UK.

Ben Bradshaw: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 22 May 2006,  Official Report, column 1296W.

Marine Fisheries Agency

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to his written statement of 16 May 2006,  Official Report, column 48WS, on the Marine Fisheries Agency performance targets 2006-07, what measures the agency has in place to monitor the quota stocks target; and what the risk weightings referred to are.

Ben Bradshaw: The Marine Fisheries Agency, along with other fisheries administrations in the UK, operates systems as required by EU legislation to monitor and control the activity of UK fishing vessels to ensure quotas allocated to the UK are not exceeded. This involves maintaining dedicated systems for the collection and collation of information from vessel logbooks and landing declarations, as well as information from sales notes from registered buyers and sellers of fish. The information from UK systems is collated to produce reports on the level of uptake of quotas that are updated on a daily or weekly basis as appropriate. These reports are used by fisheries administrations, producer organisations and other groups in the UK to manage the individual quota allocations during each year. Monthly reports are provided to the European Commission, with measures also in place to check and validate information received by the Commission from other member states on landings by UK vessels outside the UK. The agency takes management action, as necessary, to control or close activity in particular fisheries to ensure quotas limits are complied with.
	The risk weightings relate to enforcement of sea fisheries legislation. The Marine Fisheries Agency aims to deploy 60 per cent. of its inspection and enforcement resources to high risk fisheries, 30 per cent. to medium risk and 10 per cent. to low risk. The specific risk weightings take account of a number of factors, including the nature of the fishery, the area and the type of fishing activity. For instance, we would consider vessels fishing in an area and for a species for which specific recovery measures have been introduced to be classified as 'high risk'. The agency is developing a computer model to assist in analysing a wide range of factors to determine compliance risks in fisheries for the medium to long term so that its resources can be deployed and utilised to best effect.

Marine Fisheries Agency

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many  (a) under and  (b) over 10 metre licences were issued by the Marine Fisheries Agency in each year since 1997.

Ben Bradshaw: The following table sets out the number of licences issued to fishing vessels administered in England and Wales by  (a) vessels of 10 metres and under in length, and  (b) vessels of over 10 metres in length.
	
		
			   (a) 10 metres and under  (b) over 10 metres 
			 1997 0 1,000 
			 1998 3,342 1,070 
			 1999 0 938 
			 2000 3,203 890 
			 2001 0 842 
			 2002 3,041 805 
			 2003 0 731 
			 2004 3,004 696 
			 2005 0 656 
			 2006 n/a 649 
		
	
	Licences for fishing vessels over 10 metres in length were issued annually. Since 1996 licences for vessels of 10 metres and under in length have been issued biennially. Licences for fishing vessels of 10 metres and under in length will be issued again in June 2006.
	Licences for vessels in Scotland and Northern Ireland were issued by the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development respectively.

Marine Fisheries Agency

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many 10 metre licences have been issued by the Marine Fisheries Agency.

Ben Bradshaw: In December 2005 the Marine Fisheries Agency issued licences for 649 fishing vessels of over 10 metres in length administered in England and Wales.
	Licences for fishing vessels in Scotland and Northern Ireland were issued by the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development respectively.

Ministerial Meetings

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when  (a) Ministers and  (b) officials from his Department last met representatives from the Composting Association.

Ben Bradshaw: I met representatives from the Composting Association on 22 August 2005; my officials met a representative on 25 May this year.

Ministerial Visits (Accommodation)

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on how many occasions  (a) civil servants and  (b) special advisers in his Department have stayed overnight in (i) five star, (ii) four star and (iii) three star hotels in each of the last three years.

Barry Gardiner: The information requested is as follows:
	
		
			  April 2003 to March 2004 
			  ResCompany  Star  Room nights  Turnover (£) 
			 DEFRA 5 10 1,180.01 
			 DEFRA 4 1,789 145,671.52 
			 DEFRA 3 3,021 203,135.67 
			 DEFRA 2 331 18,677.35 
			 DEFRA 1 1 50.00 
			 DEFRA 0 1,299 78,586.89 
			 Total  6,451 447,301.44 
		
	
	
		
			  April 2004 to March 2005 
			  ResCompany  Star  Room nights  Turnover (£) 
			 DEFRA 5 9 824.00 
			 DEFRA 4 1,385 116,026.78 
			 DEFRA 3 3,217 231,565.86 
			 DEFRA 2 263 16,907.75 
			 DEFRA 1 13 964.75 
			 DEFRA 0 1,002 65,265.02 
			 Total  5,889 431,554.16 
		
	
	
		
			  April 2005 to March 2006 
			  ResCompany  Star  Room nights  Turnover (£) 
			 DEFRA 5 12 1,108.00 
			 DEFRA 4 1,076 97,709.85 
			 DEFRA 3 3,461 253,475.01 
			 DEFRA 2 180 12,397.55 
			 DEFRA 1 1 65.50 
			 DEFRA 0 764 49,713.11 
			 Total  5,494 414,469.02

Part-time Ministerial Post

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what factors he took into account when deciding that the post of Minister of State (Sustainable Farming and Foods) should be a part-time post.

Barry Gardiner: The post of the Minister of State (Sustainable Farming and Foods) is full-time. In accordance with long standing practice Lords Ministers with particular departmental responsibilities also act as spokesmen for other Departments in the House of Lords. Lord Rooker acts as spokesman for Northern Ireland and is also deputy leader of the House of Lords.

Pesticides Safety Directorate

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 16 May 2006,  Official Report, column 46WS, on the Pesticides Safety Directorate (Performance Targets 2006-07), who is responsible for progress on each of the targets; to whom each person reports; what recent discussions he has had about implementation of each target; and if he will make a statement.

Ian Pearson: The Pesticides Safety Directorate's performance targets are set by the Minister of State and published in the agency's Business Plan. The executive responsibility for delivering these targets lies with the agency's chief executive who is supported by three operational directors and one non-executive director who together are responsible for the day-to-day management of the agency and its business. In addition, the strategic direction and performance of the agency is monitored on behalf of the Minister by the Department's Regulatory Agencies Strategy Board. The agency's achievements against its targets, along with membership details of its management board and that of the Regulatory Agencies Strategy Board, are given in the agency's Annual Report and Accounts.

Poultry Meat

Albert Owen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the impact on the UK poultry industry of imports of surplus meat from other EU countries following outbreaks of avian influenza.

Ben Bradshaw: Imports of poultry meat into the UK from some EU countries have affected the domestic wholesale market. There is nothing illegal about this practice, which is consistent with Single European Market principles. Further, it is anticipated that recent high levels of imports will begin to fall away as surplus European supplies diminish.

Private Office Staff

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much has been paid in  (a) salary,  (b) travelling expenses,  (c) subsistence allowance and  (d) removal expenses to special advisers in his private office in each of the last five years.

Barry Gardiner: Since 2003, the Government have published on an annual basis the names and overall cost of special advisers and the number in each pay band. For information relating to the last financial year I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, on 21 July 2005,  Official Report, columns 158-61WS.
	Information on special advisers for this financial year is currently being collected and will be published in the normal way when it is ready.

Queen's Flight

John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on what occasions she has travelled on the Queen's Flight since 2002; what the  (a) departure point,  (b) destination,  (c) distance travelled and  (d) cost was of each flight; how many (i) other Ministers and (ii) officials travelled on the same flight; how the costs are calculated; and on what basis decisions are made on whether such flights are cost effective.

Barry Gardiner: The use of 32 Squadron flights is governed by time and cost considerations. The rules on the use of special flights are set out in "Travel by Ministers". The annual lists of overseas travel by Cabinet Ministers costing over £500 are set out when special flights are used, and the purpose of each trip. Copies are available in the Library. Carbon dioxide emissions arising from 32 Squadron flights are included in the Government's carbon offsetting commitment. Carbon emissions arising from the use of these flights have been recorded and offset in the same way as the use of scheduled flights since April 2005.

Rural Enterprise Scheme

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what grants have been allocated under the Rural Enterprise Scheme in the South West in each month since December 2005.

Barry Gardiner: The following figures show the number of applications approved in the South West region, in each month from December 2005 onwards. The numbers have been broken down by measure, to show the type of activity for which funding has been approved.
	The funding awarded covers activity to take place across financial years 2005-06 to 2008-09.
	
		
			  December 2005 
			  Measure  Number of projects  Total funding offered (£) 
			 Basic Services 1 62,156 
			 Renovation and development of villages 5 274,789 
			 Diversification 8 322,573 
			 Encouragement for tourism and craft activities 1 25,685 
			 Total 15 685,203 
		
	
	
		
			  January 2006 
			  Measure  Number of projects  Total funding offered (£) 
			 Diversification 1 13,325 
			 Development of Infrastructure 1 13,015 
			 Encouragement for tourism and craft activities 1 10,972 
			 Total 3 37,312 
		
	
	
		
			  February 2006 
			  Measure  Number of projects  Total funding offered (£) 
			 Marketing of Quality Agricultural Products 1 15,000 
			 Basic Services 1 41,251 
			 Renovation and development of villages 5 347,082 
			 Diversification 8 442,924 
			 Development of Infrastructure 1 6,361 
			 Encouragement for tourism and craft activities 1 4,500 
			 Total 17 857,118 
		
	
	
		
			  March 2006 
			  Measure  Number of projects  Total funding offered (£) 
			 Basic Services 2 76,509 
			 Renovation and development of villages 4 310,931 
			 Diversification 6 693,512 
			 Total 12 1,080,952 
		
	
	
		
			  April 2006 
			  Measure  Number of projects  Total funding offered (£) 
			 Basic Services 1 13,983 
			 Renovation and development of villages 2 29,990 
			 Diversification 3 24,108 
			 Encouragement for tourism and craft activities 1 13,179 
			 Total 7 81,260

Rural Enterprise Scheme

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assistance his Department has provided to farmers to facilitate applications to the Rural Enterprise Scheme.

Barry Gardiner: Across the country, Regional Appraisal Panels have awarded Rural Enterprise Scheme (RES) grants to a number of facilitation projects and co-ordination bodies, totalling approximately £1.5 million, which includes significant support for farmer applicants. For example, one project in the West Midlands regions was awarded over £150,000 as a co-ordination body to facilitate the development of broad, high quality innovative and collaborative new projects in rural Warwickshire that had the potential to be funded under RES.
	When the Rural Enterprise Scheme guidance notes for applicants were updated in 2004, an additional booklet providing advice on preparing a business plan for socio-economic projects was also developed and provided to prospective applicants.
	Rural Development Service staff across the country have continually provided help and advice to prospective applicants as part of their day-to-day activity running the scheme. This has included pre-application clinics, advice and direction on priorities for funding, and site visits to discuss projects.

Rural Enterprise Scheme

Geoffrey Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many applications have been received for the rural enterprise scheme in  (a) England and  (b) each Government region; how much money has been made available as part of the scheme in (i) England and (ii) each Government region; what percentage of the funds in each area have been allocated; to what extent funds allocated to the south west have been withdrawn to compensate for overspends in other parts of the country; and if he will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: holding answer 25 May 2006
	The following table provides details on the rural enterprise scheme which operates within the 2000 to 2006 England Rural Development Programme. Figures provided are up to date as of 23 May 2006:
	
		
			  Region  Total number of RES applications received 2000 to 2006  Total number of RES applications approved to date  Value of RES budget 2000 to 2006 (£ million)  Percentage of RES budget allocated 2000 to 2006 (percentage) 
			 North East 511 293 10.0 94 
			 North West 704 423 20.0 86 
			 East Midlands 609 272 25.6 86 
			 West Midlands 683 367 16.7 84 
			 South West 919 408 18.5 86 
			 Yorks and Humber 584 311 14.5 97 
			 East of England 607 271 13.7 77 
			 South East 612 330 13.8 87 
			 National(1) 46 17 7.2 29 
			 Total for England 5,275 2,692 140.0 84 
			 (1 )National covers projects that span a number of regional boundaries. 
		
	
	No funds have been withdrawn from the south west region's allocation.
	Under the EU regulations supporting the rural enterprise scheme, 50 per cent. of funding comes from the European Union. These European funds are allocated on an annual basis and it is generally not possible to transfer any unspent EU funds to a later financial year. This scheme, therefore, requires close and careful financial management. To this end, each region is given an annual budget within which it must manage the grant awards it has made. This will include any delays to project expenditure and therefore delays to claims, as well as any under or over-claims by beneficiaries.
	The performance of approved projects is subject to continuous review to establish the true value of any 'headroom' in annual budgets. For 2006-07, a detailed exercise is in place to ensure that budgets are used to the maximum extent possible. In this regard, it is expected that some additional monies will be identified as available to support new grant awards before the closure of the scheme at the end of June. The precise value of funds available for grant awards will be confirmed by mid-June.
	There will continue to be significant competition for the remaining funds; the Rural Development Service will continue to manage the position carefully in 2006-07, with a view to the possible redirection of funds between regions where regional interest in the scheme is genuinely lower than anticipated.

Rural Enterprise Scheme

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether money allocated to the South West for grants to be made under the Rural Enterprise Scheme has been subsequently transferred to other areas.

Barry Gardiner: No funds have been withdrawn from the South West under the Rural Enterprise Scheme for transfer to other areas.

Rural Payments Agency

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many payments have been made by the Rural Payments Agency to farmers in  (a) mid-Bedfordshire,  (b) Bedfordshire and  (c) the UK in each year since 2000; and if she will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: Details of payments made by the Rural Payments Agency under farm-based schemes are set out in the tables. Payments to farmers in mid-Bedfordshire and in Bedfordshire are available only for the two years 2003-04 and 2004-05.
	
		
			  (a) Payments made to farmers for mid-Bedfordshire 
			   £ million 
			 2003-04 6.708 
			 2004-05 6.638 
			  Note:  Analysis by parliamentary constituency is not available prior to this date. 
		
	
	
		
			  (b) Payments made to farmers in Bedfordshire 
			   £ million 
			 2003-04 18.455 
			 2004-05 17.670 
		
	
	
		
			  (c) Data for farmed-based schemes payments made by RPA for England 
			   £ million 
			 2000-01 1,400.391 
			 2001-02 1,424.346 
			 2002-03 1,549.150 
			 2003-04 1,799.029 
			 2004-05 2,119.490 
		
	
	The detail supporting each of the years in the tables can be found in RPA's Annual Report and Accounts under House of Commons publication numbers HC 1197 (for both 2000-01 and 2001-02), HC 940, HC 1009 and HC 82 respectively.

Rural Payments Agency

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many claim forms for the 2006-07 Single Payments Scheme  (a) were sent by the Rural Payments Agency to potential applicants before 13 April 2006 and  (b) have been sent on or since 13 April 2006; and if he will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: The Rural Payments Agency issued 84,334 SPS application forms to potential applicants before 13 April 2006 and a further 33,902 application forms have been issued on or since 13 April 2006.

Rural Payments Agency

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many people have been sent a set of application forms for payments in 2006 by the Rural Payments Agency; how many completed applications have been returned; and how many forms remain to be issued.

Barry Gardiner: The Rural Payments Agency issued 118,236 SP5 application forms between 21 March 2006 and 26 April 2006 to known customers. As of 25 May 2006, 90,225 completed application forms have been returned and logged. No forms remain to be issued.

Rural Payments Agency

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many and what proportion of e-mails to the Rural Payments Agency have been  (a) acknowledged within one working day and  (b) replied to within 15 working days in each month since October 2001.

Barry Gardiner: The following information refers to e-mails sent to the Rural Payments Agency's Customer Service Centre (CSC), e-mail address CSC@rpa.gsi.gov.uk. The CSC was established in February 2005 and the following information is based upon statistics collected from 29 April 2005 to 16 May 2006.
	
		
			  Month  e-mails received  Resolved within 15 days 
			 April 2005 71 61 
			 May 2005 1,519 1,416 
			 June 2005 341 277 
			 July 2005 495 433 
			 August 2005 583 515 
			 September 2005 647 523 
			 October 2005 772 659 
			 November 2005 813 665 
			 December 2005 888 757 
			
			 January 2006 1,148 906 
			 February 2006 1,002 760 
			 March 2006 3,057 2,857 
			 April 2006 1,356 1,111 
			 May 2006 969 785 
		
	
	All emails to CSC@rpa.gsi.gov.uk are acknowledged automatically. The acknowledgement includes a set of frequently asked questions aimed at answering the customer's general questions immediately.

Rural Payments Agency

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many telephone calls to the Rural Payments Agency Customer Service Centre resulted in left messages in the last 12 months; and what proportion of those calls were returned within one working day.

Barry Gardiner: The Rural Payment Agency's (RPA) Customer Service Centre (CSC) provides an inquiry response facility and, outside business hours, a recorded messaging service, referring customers to RPA's website. As such the CSC seeks to answer inquiries as they are made. A proportion of the inquiries that are answered require a follow up response from a CSC operator or a member of RPA's processing staff. Moreover, RPA provides an electronic ordering facility for those customers seeking to acquire an application form or other scheme literature.
	RPA launched a CSC on 14 February 2005. This was done to streamline single payment scheme and customer registration telephone inquiries into the Agency through one route, to allow staff to concentrate on processing. More importantly, this system aims to ensure that customers receive consistent answers and that any more complex inquiries can be directed to specialist areas of the business to call the customer back.
	The main call centre is based in Workington with facilities for calls to be diverted to staff at other RPA sites during periods of unusually high demand.

Rural Payments Agency

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what IT contracts the Rural Payments Agency has with private businesses; what the cost of each is; and what assessment he has made of their value for money.

Barry Gardiner: Details of expenditure on major IT contracts in the year 2005-06 were:
	
		
			  Major IT hardware/software contracts—£500,000 
			Contract (£) 
			 Accenture Applications software development, maintenance, support and operations 22.19 million 
			 Computacenter (UK) Ltd. Hardware and software 2.38 million 
			 Sungard Sherwood Systems Applications software development, maintenance, support and operations 4.38 million 
			 IBM IT infrastructure management and operations. Applications software development, maintenance, support and operations 15.49 million 
			 Oracle Corporation UK Ltd. Software licences and services 848,000 
			 Xansa UK Applications software development, maintenance and support 658,000 
		
	
	 Other hardware/software contracts—under £500,000
	(a) 17 suppliers with total expenditure 2005-06 of approximately £1.14 million.
	(b) The suppliers were
	Albany Software
	Axios Systems Consultants
	Banctec Ltd.
	Business Objects UK Ltd.
	Casewise Ltd.
	Dell Computer Corporation
	EMC Documentum Ltd.
	Korec Ltd.
	Memex Technology
	Mercury Interactive
	Novell UK
	Officevision Ltd.
	Quest Software (UK) Ltd.
	Serena Software Europe Ltd.
	Sun Microsystems Ltd.
	Verisign UK Ltd.
	Visualfiles Ltd.
	 Telecommunications contracts (voice/data/mobile and videoconference)
	(a) Eight suppliers with total expenditure 2005-06 of approximately £2.63 million
	(b) The suppliers were
	BT
	Cable and Wireless
	Energis Communications
	Grapevine Communications Ltd.
	Internal Videocomms Ltd.
	Orange
	Siemens PLC
	Vodafone Ltd.
	 IT consultancy contracts
	
		
			  Major contracts—over £500,000 
			   £ 
			 Atos Consulting Ltd. 5.39 million 
			 Hays IT 2.15 million 
			 Methods Consulting Ltd. 8.11 million 
			 PMR Group PLC 702,000 
			 Xansa Recruitment 1.44 million 
		
	
	 Other consultancy contracts
	(a) Seven suppliers with total expenditure 2005-06 of approximately £1.42 million.
	(b) The suppliers were
	Gartner Group
	IT Service and Support Consulting
	Logica/CMG
	PA Consulting Group
	Parity Solutions Ltd.
	Scisys Ltd.
	Tribal Yale
	To provide assurance on the effectiveness of controls, continuous improvement and value for money the RPA purchasing and contract management functions are subject to regular audit and value for money assessments.
	The question relates to the "cost" of contracts. As there are several interpretations of this, and to give the best clarity and comparison, I have provided expenditure figures for 2005-06.
	The scope of "IT contracts" is also open for interpretation. In addition to the contracts which include "tangible" IT goods and communications I have also included detail of the expenditure under the IT consultancy contracts, as the majority of work under these contracts is for IT or IS consultancy, or is IT project/programme related.

Rural Payments Agency

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the backlog is of Rural Payments Agency cases for  (a) single farm payments and  (b) entry level scheme payments; what plans he has to reduce each backlog; and by what date the Rural Payments Agency will have cleared its backlog.

Barry Gardiner: The information is as follows:
	 (a) By close of business on 23 May 2006, 93,710 single payment scheme claimants had received either a full or substantial partial payment. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) is working hard to ensure that outstanding payments are made as quickly as possible.
	 (b) At 12 May, 93 per cent. of environmental stewardship payments due in the first three payment rounds (February-April) had been made, leaving 654 outstanding of a potential total of 9,097. The Rural Development Service, who administer the scheme, and RPA, who make the payments, are working hard to ensure that outstanding payments are made as quickly as possible.
	The deadline for application under the single payment scheme in 2005 was 16 May. The regulatory payment window for the scheme is from 1 December- 30 June, but RPA announced in early 2005 that the most probable time frame for payments to begin being made was in February 2005. This target was met, as the first payments were issued on 20 February. Full payments were continuing to be made until 5 May, when it was announced that substantial partial payments were going to be made to a large number of farmers yet to receive a payment. These were made by 12 May with full payments and top up payments currently being made.
	RPA is working hard to ensure that outstanding payments will be made as quickly as possible.

Rural Payments Agency

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what factors have contributed to the increases in the cost of running the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) since 2003-04; and what the original budget allocation was for the RPA at the beginning of  (a) 2003-04 and  (b) 2004-05.

Barry Gardiner: The original running cost budget allocations for the Rural Payments Agency were:
	
		
			   £ million 
			 2003-04 196.170 
			 2004-05 193.161 
		
	
	These allocations did not include any funding for non-cash costs such as depreciation and the cost of capital, nor the Agency's contribution to the corporate costs of its parent department, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
	RPA running costs have increased as a result of additional responsibilities taken on by the Agency over the last three financial years. These include:
	The merger with the British Cattle Movement Service;
	Structural Funds;
	National Fallen Stock Scheme;
	Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy including the introduction of the Single Payment Scheme.
	In each of the years since 2003-04 the original budget allocations have been supplemented by additional funding provided by DEFRA, to cover these additional responsibilities. In particular, the Agency has reduced the number of permanent staff and introduced IT systems to make efficiency savings in the longer term.

Securing the Benefits (Grant Applications)

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many grant applications for the fishing industry made under the scheme set out in Securing the Benefits have taken longer than eight weeks to process in 2006; what the average processing time has been; and how many applications were processed within the eight week target in 2005.

Ben Bradshaw: For the period 1 January 2006 to 19 May 2006, 55 out of 57 grant claims made under the financial instrument for fisheries guidance scheme (96 per cent.) were processed within eight weeks. The average processing time was 19 working days including the time taken to chase additional necessary information from the claimant.
	For 2005, 123 out of 136 grant claims (90 per cent.) were processed within eight weeks. The average processing time was 23 working days including the time taken to chase additional necessary information from the claimant.

Single Farm Payments

Philip Dunne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact on the Department's targets to pay applicants for single farm payment of the rejection of entitlements which are declared invalidated.

Barry Gardiner: The rejection of Single Payment Scheme claims because they are not valid does not affect the Rural Payments Agency's target to make 96.14 per cent. of valid SPS payments by the end of the payment window on 30 June 2006.
	The deadline for the Single Payment Scheme in 2005 was 16 May. The regulatory payment window for the scheme is from 1 December to 30 June, but the Rural payments Agency announced in early 2005 that the most probable time frame for payments to begin being made was in February 2005. This target was met, as the first payments were issued on 20 February. Full payments were continuing to be made until 5 May, when it was announced that substantial partial payments were going to be made to a large number of farmers yet to receive a payment. These were made by 12 May with full payments and top-up payments currently being made.
	The Rural Payments Agency is working hard to ensure that outstanding payments will be made as quickly as possible.

Single Farm Payments

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will take steps to ensure that all validated single payment scheme (SPS) entitlement statements are issued by the end of March; and how many farmers in Devon have received  (a) validated and  (b) unvalidated SPS statements.

Barry Gardiner: 120,367 applications were received for the Single Payment Scheme (SPS). By the end of Monday 22 May, 93,710 claimants have received a full or partial payment. This represents 78 per cent. of the customer base now having received a total of £1.322 billion. This equates to 88 per cent. of the £1.5 billion fund.
	The remaining payments will be made as soon as legally possible following the positive action set out in my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's written statement on 16 March 2006,  Official Report, column 104WS, the response to the hon. Member for South- East Cambridgeshire on 27 March 2006,  Official Report, column 543, and the written statement on 19 April 2006,  Official Report, column 13WS.
	The Rural Payments Agency does not have data available on a regional basis, as the scheme is not administered in this way.

Single Farm Payments

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many and what percentage of 2005 Single Farm Payment Scheme claims he expects to be paid by 30 June 2006; what the value of each such payment will be; and whether those claims unpaid by that date will be  (a) subject to EU reimbursement and  (b) met from public funds.

Barry Gardiner: The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) is working hard to ensure that outstanding payments will be made as quickly as possible. By 16 May some £1.3 billion had been paid, representing 87 per cent. of the total projected expenditure. The value of each payment will depend on the size of the claim and the proportion that is determined as eligible.
	Any 2005 scheme claims unpaid by the end of June 2006 will be subject to a sliding scale of EU reimbursement. The reduction in the rate of reimbursement will not apply to the first 4 per cent. of the expenditure and any subsidy paid after 15 October 2006 will not be reimbursed.
	My officials have approached the European Commission to request an extension to the 2005 SPS payment window, although as yet, no response has been received.
	The deadline for the Single Payment Scheme in 2005 was 16 May. The regulatory payment window for the scheme is from 1 December to 30 June, but RPA announced in early 2005 that the most probable time frame for payments to begin being made was in February 2006. This target was met, as the first payments were issued on 20 February. Full payments were continuing to be made until 5 May, when it was announced that substantial partial payments were going to be made to a large number of farmers yet to receive a payment. These were made by 12 May with full payments and top-up payments currently being made.
	RPA is working hard to ensure that outstanding payments will be made as quickly as possible.

Single Farm Payments

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many and what percentage of eligible claimants for the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) had lodged their SPS claim forms by 15 May 2006; if he will estimate how much and what percentage of total SPS monies for 2006 these claims represent; and if he will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: 52,204 Single Payment Scheme applications were received on or before 15 May 2006.
	The Rural Payments Agency is not able to determine how many of these forms are valid until they have been through level 1 validation checks to ensure that basic information is present on the form.
	Until these forms are entered into the computer system the RPA is unable to establish the value of the eligible claims.
	118,236 Single Payment Scheme application forms have been sent to potential claimants plus an additional 1,500 application forms requested by potentially new applicants to the 2006 scheme.
	A copy of the 2006 application form is also available for customers to download and complete from the RPA website. Customers can also collect blank application forms from RPA offices and drop-in centres located around the country.
	As announced on 5 May, applications to the 2006 SPS received between 16-31 May will not attract late claim penalties.

Single Farm Payments

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress of the delivery of single farm payments to farmers.

Barry Gardiner: By close of business on 23 May 2006, 93,710 single payment scheme claimants had received either a full or substantial partial payment. The Rural Payments Agency is working hard to ensure that outstanding payments are made as quickly as possible.

United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement Meeting

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what issues he plans to raise at the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement meeting in New York on 22 to 26 May.

Ben Bradshaw: The UK played an active role in the preparation of the EU position for this meeting and at the meeting itself. This included looking at the 15 elements chosen for assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of the UN Fish Stock Agreement, and suggesting means of strengthening the substance and methods of the Agreement's implementation.
	In addition, the UK hosted a State meeting at the conference to profile the report of the High Seas Task Force into Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, and presented the UK's action plan for taking forward the report 's recommendations. The event was well attended by representatives of State, NGOs and other interested bodies.

Venezuelan Discounted Oil (Environmental Impact)

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the potential environmental impact of the supply of discounted oil to London by Venezuela; and if he will make a statement.

Ian Pearson: We are not aware of any firm commitment by the Government of Venezuela to supply oil or oil products at discounted rates to the UK. In the absence of this and any specific details I am unable to speculate on the potential environmental implications of this proposal.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what funding  (a) his Department and  (b) the Environment Agency has (i) allocated to and (ii) spent on supporting charitable organisations in preparation for the implementation of the waste electrical and electronic equipment directive.

Ben Bradshaw: Defra has not allocated or provided funding to charities specifically in preparation for the implementation of the waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) directive.
	In April 2005, Defra awarded a total of £3 million to 36 community groups working with waste in England, under the Waste Partnership Fund (WPF). A number of the community projects that are being taken forward will support the reuse and recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment.
	The Environment Agency (EA) has provided some support to charitable refurbishers at a local level. Nationally, support has been given through work with Envirowise on their national programme of WEEE seminars. The EA has agreed an interim position on WEEE permitting which has saved many small-scale WEEE refurbishers the cost of obtaining a waste management licence in the period before new licensing exemptions are available.

Water

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will introduce legislation to allow householders to reverse a decision to accommodate a water meter once installed; and if he will make a statement.

Ian Pearson: Water customers have, since 2000, had some choice in how their charges are calculated and customers who would benefit from a metered charge can request a meter to be installed free-of-charge. Customers also have the corresponding right to revert back to an unmeasured charge within a year if they feel that it does not best suit their needs.

Water

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs at what level of available water supply a water company may apply to take remedial action to avoid water shortages.

Ian Pearson: All water companies have drought plans setting out how the company will continue to meet its duty to maintain an adequate supply of water during a short-term water shortage. These plans are now a statutory requirement. The plans contain various triggers to initiate a range of actions at differing stages depending on the severity of a drought. One of the actions may involve applying to my Department for drought orders to restrict non-essential uses of water.

Water

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures he is taking to ensure that residents of Tendring do not run out of water.

Ian Pearson: Water companies' plans for meeting demand were set out in their 25-year water resources plans, prepared in 2004. The Environment Agency reported on those plans in "Maintaining Water Supply", which is available from its website at:
	http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/commondata/acrobat/mws_837514.pdf
	Water companies also have drought plans which set out how they will meet their duties to supply adequate quantities of wholesome water during drought periods with as little recourse as possible to drought orders and permits. The plans contain various triggers to initiate a range of actions at differing stages depending on the severity of a drought.

Water

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department has taken to assess the merits of  (a) cloud seeding and  (b) desalination as ways of meeting the UK water supply requirements.

Ian Pearson: Water companies are responsible for considering the need for increasing provision of water in fulfilment of their duties to maintain adequate supplies of water. The companies' plans for meeting demand were set out in their 25 year water resources plans, prepared in 2004. The Environment Agency reported on those plans in "Maintaining Water Supply", which is available from its website.
	No water company has plans to seed clouds in its water resources plan. The merits of desalination on a significant scale are currently the subject of a public inquiry following Thames Water's appeal against refusal of planning permission for a plant in the Thames estuary.

Water

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of Thames Water's spending on the renewal of its water distribution network.

Ian Pearson: The Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat) sets price limits for water companies. In the price limits for 2005-10, Thames Water was allowed £279 million to renew its water infrastructure. This will enable Thames to increase activity to maintain its pipes, including the renewal of about 1,400 km of water distribution mains.

Water

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what schemes are being promoted by his Department to provide  (a) low cost water butts and  (b) other water use reduction devices in areas of England subject to hosepipe bans.

Ian Pearson: Under the Water Industry Act 1991, water companies have a duty to promote the efficient use of water by their customers. As part of the activities they undertake to meet this duty, many water companies offer subsidised water butts to customers as well as other water saving devices, such as those that lower toilet flush volumes. This duty is exercised regardless of whether a hosepipe ban is in place, though publicity advertising the availability of water saving devices is likely to be increased during these periods.

Water

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on the impact of water saving regimes under drought orders in London and the South East on incoming tourism.

Ian Pearson: I have had no such discussions with the Secretary of State of Culture, Media and Sport; however drought orders are unlikely to impact to any significant extent on tourism in London and the South-East.

Water

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what new water-saving measures have been introduced in departmental offices in London and the South East since 1 January.

Ian Pearson: No specific new measures have been introduced within Defra offices in London and the South East since 1 January. However, water consumption at all sites is monitored on a regular basis and compared with targets set out in the framework for Sustainable Development on the Government Estate (SDiG). Leaks and metering problems are taken up with suppliers and appropriate efficiency measures are put in place to deal with other causes of high consumption.
	All refurbishment projects involving Defra offices have included water saving measures. Waterless urinal systems and low flush cisterns have been successfully installed at a number of sites to provide consistent savings in water consumption. Percussion or spray taps or taps with sensors are also delivering significant savings.
	These initiatives will continue to be extended to other sites across the estate. Other issues under consideration are the sub-metering of areas where there is a high water use, for example in catering sites and crèches.
	As part of the World Environment Day campaign, water hogs were made available for use within Defra sites and also for staff to take home.
	Defra's published responses to SDiG targets are available at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/sdstrategy/operations/partc.htm.

PRIME MINISTER

Bilateral Discussions

Greg Hands: To ask the Prime Minister when he last held bilateral discussions with the Prime Minister of  (a) Norway and  (b) Belgium.

Tony Blair: I last met the Prime Minister of Norway, Jens Stoltenberg, for bilateral discussions in London in October 2005. I last met the Belgian Prime Minister, Guy Verhofstadt, for bilateral discussions in London in May 2004. We have talked on the telephone and met at European councils in the meantime.

Bilateral Discussions

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Prime Minister when he last held bilateral discussions with the Prime Minister of  (a) Latvia and  (b) Canada.

Tony Blair: I last met the Prime Minister of Latvia, Aigars Kalvitis, for bilateral discussions in December 2005. I have not held bilateral discussions with the new Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper. We have, however, spoken on the telephone.

Chevening

Graham Brady: To ask the Prime Minister 
	(1)  which Ministers have had use of the residence of Chevening since 7 May; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  whether he plans to make  (a) the Chevening house and estate and  (b) another similar facility available to the Foreign Secretary for the purposes of entertaining official overseas guests.

Tony Blair: I refer the hon. Member to the press briefing given by my official spokesman on 25 May, a copy of which is available on the No. 10 website.

Committee on Standards in Public Life

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Prime Minister when he last met the Chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life; and if he will make a statement.

Tony Blair: The position is as set out by the Chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life in his evidence to the Public Administration Select Committee on 27 April.

Congressional Medal

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Prime Minister whether he intends to collect his Congressional Medal before he leaves office.

Tony Blair: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Louth and Horncastle (Sir Peter Tapsell) at Prime Minister's questions on 14 December 2005,  Official Report, columns 1301-02.

Darfur

David Drew: To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the outcome of his discussions with Alpha Konare, Chair of the African Union, on how to enhance peace-keeping operations in Darfur and help deliver the recently signed peace agreement.

Tony Blair: I refer my hon. Friend to the press conference I held with Alpha Konare on 23 May, and to the joint statement made after our discussions. Copies of these are available on the No. 10 website.

Dorneywood

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Prime Minister what the cost to the public purse was of security at Dorneywood for the most recent year for which figures are available.

Tony Blair: It has been the practice of successive Governments not to comment on security matters.

Energy Review

Lynne Jones: To ask the Prime Minister whether the first draft of the Energy Review received by him the day before his speech to the Confederation of British Industry on 16 May included an assessment of the total life-cycle carbon costs of nuclear power.

Tony Blair: I have nothing further to add to the answer I gave my hon. Friend on 23 May 2006,  Official Report, column 1624W.

Expenditure

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the 10 non-public sector entities that have received the largest total sum of payments from his Office in each of the last five years.

Tony Blair: For these purposes my office forms part of the Cabinet Office. I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster, North (Edward Miliband) today.

House of Lords Nominations

George Mudie: To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those nominated by the public to the House of Lords Appointments Commission as non-party-political peers since the Commission was established; and which of those nominated were selected.

Tony Blair: I understand that since the House of Lords Appointments Commission was established in 2000, it has received approximately 4,090 nominations from members of the public for non-party-political peerages. The Commission has undertaken to treat all information supplied by nominees in confidence. This also accords with the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998.
	A list of those selected for appointments is available on the Commission's website. A copy has also been placed in the Library of the House.

Illegal Immigrants

John Hayes: To ask the Prime Minister how many illegal immigrants have been discovered to be employed by his Office in each year since 2001; in what capacities they were employed; how many were discovered as part of a criminal investigation; and what the nature of the charges brought against them were.

Tony Blair: None.

Ministerial Visits

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Prime Minister if he will visit Shrewsbury in summer 2006 to attend Shrewsbury Flower Show.

Tony Blair: I have no current plans to do so.

Ministerial Visits

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Prime Minister how many times he has visited China since becoming Prime Minister.

Tony Blair: Since 1999 the Government have published an annual list of all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing £500 or more during each financial year. Copies of these lists are available in the Library of the House. Information on the number of officials accompanying Ministers on overseas visits is included in the list. All Ministers' travel arrangements are in accordance with the arrangements for official travel set out in chapter 10 of the ministerial code, and the accompanying guidance document, "Travel by Ministers". Information for the year 2005-06 will be published as soon as it is ready.

Ministerial Visits

Greg Hands: To ask the Prime Minister when he next plans to visit  (a) Nigeria and  (b) South Africa.

Tony Blair: I have no current plans to do so.

Ministerial Visits

David Simpson: To ask the Prime Minister what discounts are available in relation to hotel accommodation used by  (a) civil servants and  (b) special advisers in his Office.

Tony Blair: All travel by civil servants and special advisers is conducted in accordance with Section 8,2 of the Civil Service Management Code, copies of which are available in the Libraries of the House.

Official Residences

Oliver Heald: To ask the Prime Minister what the name is of the official residence recently vacated by the right hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside (Mr. Blunkett).

Tony Blair: Government House, Pimlico.

Official Residences

Oliver Heald: To ask the Prime Minister what the  (a) notional market rent,  (b) estimated capital value and  (c) total annual cost of (i) rent, (ii) security, (iii) utilities, (iv) facilities management and (v) general maintenance was for (A) Flat 1 Admiralty House, (B) Flat 2 Admiralty House, (C) Flat 3 Admiralty House, (D) Government House in Pimlico, (E) No. 1 Carlton Gardens, (F) Bute House, (G) the Chancellor of the Exchequer's residence in Downing street and (H) his residence in Downing street in the last year for which figures are available.

Tony Blair: Expenditure on official residences is a matter for the relevant Ministers' Departments.
	The information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. For the cost of routine maintenance on the flat above 11 Downing street I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman Baker) on 10 March 2006,  Official Report, column 1836-37W.

Pensions

David Simpson: To ask the Prime Minister how many and what percentage of staff in his Department are making additional voluntary contributions to their pension.

Tony Blair: For these purposes my office forms part of the Cabinet Office, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office (Hilary Armstrong) on 1 June (73047).

Sovereign Strategy

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Prime Minister on what dates over the last 12 months  (a) he and  (b) his officials have met a representative of Sovereign Strategy.

Tony Blair: My officials and I have meetings with a wide range of organisations and individuals on a wide range of subjects. Information relating to internal meetings, discussion and advice is not disclosed as to do so could harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Antiquities (Illegal Trading)

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures she is taking to tackle the illicit international trade in antiquities, with particular reference to the London art market.

David Lammy: Since 2000, with support from other Government Departments, the police, HM Revenue and Customs, the art trade and the museums, libraries and archives communities, we have introduced a series of measures to combat the illicit trade in antiquities, in particular:
	The Dealing in Cultural Objects (Offences) Act, which makes it illegal to deal in tainted cultural property; and
	The publication of guidance for museums, libraries and archives to ensure that, in practice, they acquire cultural property legally and ethically.

Digital Television

Eric Martlew: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what percentage of television viewers in the Border Television area cannot receive digital television.

Shaun Woodward: Currently digital terrestrial television is available to over half of the population of Border region, and the vast majority of households can receive digital TV services via digital satellite, terrestrial or cable. 70 per cent. of households in Border have already chosen to take up digital TV.
	After switchover, which takes place in Border in 2008, UK digital terrestrial television coverage will match the current analogue coverage of 98.5 per cent.

Digital Television

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether Ofcom's digital dividend review of the value of the spectrum released by full digital switchover will inform Government policy on the extent of the costs of digital switchover to be paid for through the BBC licence fee.

Shaun Woodward: There is no relation between the Digital Dividend Review, on which we expect Ofcom to consult towards the end of this year, and the switchover costs to be paid by the BBC, which will be part of the licence fee settlement.

Digital Television

Willie Rennie: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans her Department has to increase its audio description targets for digital television.

Shaun Woodward: The Department currently has no plans to increase its audio description targets for digital television. The Communications Bill gives Ofcom a requirement to produce, publish and from time to time review a Code relating to provision for the deaf and visually impaired and the means by which such services should be promoted. Ofcom are in the process of reviewing the code, and have suggested in their consultation that it would be better to review the statutory target for audio description when it is clearer how many potential beneficiaries will use it.

Digital Television

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether the cost of digital switchover will be ring-fenced in the accounts of the BBC.

Shaun Woodward: holding answer 25 May 2006
	We are considering how best to account for the BBC's digital switchover costs, including the cost of the targeted help scheme, as part of discussions about the level of the licence fee.

Sport (Participation)

Andrew MacKay: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to increase mass participation in sport.

Richard Caborn: The Department is committed to its public service agreement target of increasing levels of participation in sport by priority groups by 3 per cent. by 2008. Working through Sport England, we are implementing a range of measures to achieve this.

Gambling

David Tredinnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent estimate she has made of the number of people with a gambling addiction.

Richard Caborn: The current estimate is that 0.6 per cent. of the adult population in Great Britain are problem gamblers. This figure is drawn from the last national prevalence study published in 2000. The Gambling Commission is currently conducting a further prevalence study.

Gambling

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with the Gambling Commission on the size of the sample to be used in future prevalence studies on problem gambling; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Caborn: My Department has had discussions with the Gambling Commission about all aspects of the design, conduct and management of the prevalence study.
	The sample size to be used in the prevalence study to be conducted this summer will be 10,000, which is greater than that used in the 1999 study. The sample size to be used in future prevalence studies has yet to be decided.

Gambling

Malcolm Moss: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what criteria will be used to assess the level of problem gambling in an area surrounding a new casino licensed under the Gambling Act 2005.

Richard Caborn: My Department is in the process of tendering for a scoping study to establish the best means of identifying, measuring and assessing the social and economic impacts of the 17 new casinos that are being permitted under the Gambling Act 2005. The study is scheduled to be completed in the autumn and will be published once the Department has had the opportunity to consider it.

Digital Audio Broadcasting

Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent progress there has been in the take-up of digital audio broadcasting; and if she will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: Progress has been impressive with sales of DAB sets doubling in the last 12 months to April. Sales now exceed 3 million. The Government have established a regulatory regime which has allowed for this growth, and we continue to work closely with Ofcom and industry to encourage that development further. According to the Digital Radio Development Bureau, the UK leads the way in take up of DAB sets.

Olympic Games

Richard Ottaway: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate she has made of possible cost over-runs on the 2012 Olympics.

Tessa Jowell: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Ludlow (Mr. Dunne).

Olympic Games

Ann Keen: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the potential role for the arts in the London 2012 Olympics; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Caborn: The arts will play a crucial role in the cultural events supporting the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. The Cultural Olympiad will begin in 2008, offering an unprecedented opportunity to showcase the range of high class and diverse art from across the UK.

Olympic Games

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what contingency plans her Department has for overspend on the 2012 Olympic games.

Tessa Jowell: We will make every effort to avoid cost overruns. However, should they arise, we will look at all the options available at the time.

Olympic Games

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether she has received a copy of the The Business of the Games report by the Economic Development, Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee of the Greater London Assembly; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Caborn: I have seen a copy of this report and I endorse the London Assembly's recognition of the importance of ensuring that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are equipped to benefit from the many opportunities that the 2012 Games will bring. Small businesses across the value chain, in a wide variety of sectors and throughout the nations and regions, have much to gain from the commercial opportunities arising from the Games. The Government are determined to maximise those opportunities both for SMEs and British business as a whole. All the Olympic partners and stakeholders are working together to identify the best model to achieve this, taking into account best practice from previous host cities.

Olympic Games

Andy Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures her Department has put in place to co-ordinate a cross-Government approach to achieving a legacy for the 2012 Olympics.

Tessa Jowell: The Government Olympic Executive (GOE) has been set up within DCMS to co-ordinate Government input into the 2012 games. The Executive acts as a link between Departments on the one hand and LOCOG (London Organising Committee) and the ODA (Olympic Delivery Authority) on the other. The GOE works closely with all Departments through the Inter-Departmental Steering Group (senior officials responsible for Olympic related activity in Departments), supported by Departmental Olympic Co-ordinators who handle the day-to-day liaison. Through these groups the GOE is ensuring a joined up inter-Departmental approach to delivering the benefits and legacy of the 2012 games.

Olympic Games

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what  (a) principles and  (b) guidelines are in place relating to the exploitation of the Olympics for party political purposes in elections up to 2012.

Tessa Jowell: holding answer 25 May 2006
	Arrangements were agreed before the May 2005 general election in respect of the London 2012 bid. The principle of cross-party working still applies and is an important element of the success to date. I am committed to continuing to work openly and constructively with all parties in delivering the 2012 Games, and we have a series of working arrangements in place to ensure this happens.

Tourism

Lee Scott: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations have been made by her Department to the Lyons review with regard to the potential impact of a bed tax on tourist accommodation.

Shaun Woodward: The Lyons Inquiry is an independent review, and it has not yet made any recommendations. Sir Michael Lyons is scheduled to report by the end of this year and my Department will respond, as is appropriate, at that point.

Tourism

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the role of local authorities in promoting tourism in the UK.

Shaun Woodward: Local authorities play vital roles in supporting tourism, investing over £122 million into the sector in 2004-05. My Department works closely with the Local Government Association and a range of other organisations representing local councils, and is ensuring that local authorities are fully involved in work to prepare for the tourism opportunities of the 2012 Olympic games and Paralympic games.

Cricket (Television Coverage)

John Grogan: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to meet the England and Wales Cricket Board and the major broadcasters to discuss television coverage of test match cricket.

Richard Caborn: As I made clear, both at the Select Committee hearing on 29 November and in my response to the Committee Report, published in March, I am willing to convene a meeting between the terrestrial broadcasters and BSkyB, but only upon the understanding that the broadcasters are willing to negotiate with BSkyB. To that end, I wrote to the major broadcasters on 16 May to canvass their views on whether such a meeting would be useful. We have yet to receive all the responses.

Sports Events (Alcohol Sales)

Mark Hunter: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with sporting bodies on the possible effect on antisocial behaviour of the sale of alcohol at sporting events.

Shaun Woodward: I have had no discussions with sporting bodies on the impact of the sale of alcohol at sporting events on antisocial behaviour. The licensing of sales of alcohol was devolved to individual licensing authorities by the Licensing Act 2003. The prevention of crime and disorder is one of the licensing objectives which licensing authorities have to take into account when relevant representations are made on a licence application. The police can also seek a review of a licence if they have concerns about crime and disorder.

Air Miles

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many air miles have been accrued by senior civil servants in her Department from official business in each of the last three years; and how they were used.

David Lammy: DCMS uses an agent to book air travel and, as part of this cross-Government arrangement, the individual does not accrue air miles.

BBC

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport who will monitor the BBC's efficiency targets.

Shaun Woodward: holding answer 25 May 2006
	As stated in the White Paper, the Government believe that one of the overriding duties of the Trust should be the effective stewardship of the licence fee on behalf of licence fee payers: making sure that it is spent with maximum effectiveness and efficiency and always providing value for money. It will be part of the Trust's role to secure and demonstrate continuing improvements in the BBC's efficiency, increasing the return provided by its commercial services and bearing down on the costs of proposed investments. The Government also welcome the proposal of the current Chairman of the BBC that the Trust should ask the NAO to consider the extent to which future "self-help" targets are being met and that the results of this work will also be reported to Parliament.

BBC

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will require the BBC to submit a revision of its Red Book figures before making a decision on the licence fee.

Shaun Woodward: holding answer 25 May 2006
	The Government are currently conducting a funding review to determine the level of the licence fee to apply from April 2007. As part of this process the BBC has submitted an assessment of its future funding needs. That assessment made clear that projected costs in some areas would be subject to revision. The BBC has undertaken to make revisions to its assessment available to the Government as work progresses. The Government will announce the details of the settlement in due course.

BBC

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps she is taking to ensure the independence of the BBC Trust from  (a) the Corporation and  (b) the Government.

Tessa Jowell: The new governance structure is designed to strengthen the BBC's independence from Government and will be reinforced by very clear separation between the Trust and the Executive Board. This clear separation will be achieved through the distinct and different roles of the Trust and Executive Board. The Trust's overarching responsibility will be to represent the interests of the licence fee payer. The new system will also deliver effective oversight of the Executive Board's activities by the Trust, in the public interest; at the same time, it will prevent micro-management of the executive Board's activities by the Trust in a way that would distract from the Trust's strategic role.

Better Regulation Unit

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what role her Department's Better Regulation Unit has played in  (a) the review of the Licensing Act 2003 and  (b) the guidance issued under section 182 of that Act; and if she will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: The Department's team responsible for promoting better regulation is involved at all stages of the review of the guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003, and in our wider monitoring and evaluation work around the implementation of the Act.

Betting and Gaming

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what regulations govern the sponsoring of terrestrial television programmes by gambling companies; and if she will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: The matter raised is the responsibility of the Office of Communications as independent regulator. Accordingly, my officials have asked the chief executive of Ofcom to respond directly to my hon. Friend. Copies of the chief executive's letter will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Betting and Gaming

Malcolm Moss: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what consideration her Department has given to introducing a levy on betting and gaming in connection with other sporting activity analogous to that which applies to horse racing.

Richard Caborn: The horse race betting levy recognises the unique relationship between that sport and the betting industry. Horse racing is a sport whose primary purpose is to provide a betting product. In that respect, it is a symbiotic relationship not shared by other sports, except perhaps greyhound racing which has a separate arrangement with bookmakers. Consequently, the Government currently have no plans to introduce a betting levy for other sports.

Betting and Gaming

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether the Gambling Commission has powers to make the prohibition of lottery-style betting games by gambling operators a licence condition.

Richard Caborn: holding answer 24 May 2006
	The Gambling Act 2005 sets out the definitions of different types of gambling activity, and provides that it is a criminal offence to offer facilities for gambling without authorisation. It would be inappropriate for the Gambling Commission to duplicate these provisions through the introduction of licence conditions.
	The Commission does, however, have powers under section 79 of the Act to impose conditions on operators which relate to the manner, nature and circumstances of licensed activities (including lottery style betting games), should the Commission consider that there is a regulatory need to do so.

Betting and Gaming

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has received on the uprating of gaming machine stake and price levels.

Richard Caborn: We have received many representations on this issue from gambling operators, trade bodies, and from Members of Parliament.
	We will be publishing our proposals for gaming machine stake and prize limits under the Gambling Act 2005, for consultation, in the near future. This will give everyone with an interest an opportunity to comment on the proposed stake and prize levels that will operate from September 2007 onwards.

Betting and Gaming

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she will next uprate gaming machine stake and prize levels.

Richard Caborn: The stakes and prizes that will apply from September 2007 when the Gambling Act 2005 comes into force were set out at the time the Gambling Bill was introduced into Parliament in October 2004. This remains Government policy.
	These proposals involve raising the maximum stake on Category C gaming machines (currently all cash amusement with prizes machines) from 30p to 50p, and raising the maximum stake on Category B3 and B4 gaming machines (currently jackpot machines in bingo premises and registered clubs respectively) from 50p to £1.

Betting and Gaming

Malcolm Moss: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures are in place to assist  (a) the Gambling Commission and  (b) sports governing bodies to monitor betting placed from outside the UK on sporting events which take place within the UK.

Richard Caborn: While the Gambling Commission has no jurisdiction over betting operators licensed outside Great Britain, it is continuing to build upon its co-operative relationships with overseas gambling regulators.
	The Government have worked with sports governing bodies to develop a 10-point plan which facilitates information sharing between sports bodies and betting operators. So far 11 sports bodies have signed up to the voluntary plan and an increasing number have a Memorandum of Understanding with betting operators allowing for the sharing of information about suspicious betting patterns or individuals betting with those operators here or abroad.

Big Lottery Funding

Anne Moffat: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on progress with the work of the Big Lottery Fund.

Richard Caborn: The Big Lottery Fund is the operating name of the National Lottery Charities Board and the New Opportunities Fund, working jointly together. A UK-wide framework of themes and outcomes for their work has been agreed, and within that relevant priorities for each of the four parts of the UK have been set.
	The Fund has announced a range of new programmes following extensive public consultation, including children's play; support for the voluntary and community sector, the environment and well-being; and international grants.
	The National Lottery Bill currently before Parliament will establish the Big Lottery Fund as a new statutory NDPB. A recruitment campaign for Board and Committee positions on the Big Lottery Fund is currently under way.

Black/Asian Employees

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many  (a) black and Asian and  (b) other people are employed in her Department's press office.

David Lammy: The Department currently has 14 members of staff employed in the press office of which six have declared they are white and the remainder have not declared their ethnicity. Information on ethnicity is collected on a voluntary basis.

Charles Darwin

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will allocate funds to Shrewsbury borough council to help it promote the town as Darwin's birthplace in the run up to the bicentenary of Darwin's birth in 2009.

David Lammy: This Department has no funds to allocate to Shrewsbury borough council to help promote the town as Darwin's birthplace or assist with events leading up to the bicentenary of Darwin's birth in 2009. However, Darwin at Downe, Charles Darwin's home and workplace, was this year nominated for inclusion in the World Heritage List and will be considered by the World Heritage Committee in 2007.

Correspondence

Michael Spicer: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she will reply to the hon. Member for West Worcestershire's letter of 31 March (departmental ref. 40297).

David Lammy: I wrote to the hon. Member on 23 May 2006.

Correspondence

Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to her answer of 23 May 2006 to question 72575 on the delay in responding to a letter from a constituent, what the reasons are for the delay.

Richard Caborn: I have received several letters about Holme Pierrepont over recent months and officials have been working with Sport England and others to ensure that our response to those inquiries is as complete and up to date as possible. I hope to be able to respond to the hon. Member's inquiry immediately after the Whitsun recess.
	I shall also be meeting representatives of Nottinghamshire county council in the near future to discuss progress.

Departmental Credit Cards

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what facility is available for senior civil servants in her Department to use credit cards supplied by the Department.

David Lammy: If an officer has a business need they can apply for a Government Procurement Card. This is a debit card facility and utilises an agreement set up by the Office of Government Commerce.

Departmental Expenditure

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many staff from her Department attended the Civil Service Islamic Society Eid-Ul-Adha event in London in 2005; and what the total cost was to her Department of allowing them to attend.

David Lammy: My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster wrote to the hon. Member on l June with details of the Civil Service Islamic Society Eid-Ul-Adha event. Copies of her letter are available in the Library of the House.

Departmental Funding

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the 10 non-public sector entities that have received the largest total sum of payments from the Department in each of the last five years.

David Lammy: The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Staff

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many and what percentage of staff in her Department are making voluntary contributions to their pension.

David Lammy: Members of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (PCSPS) can pay additional contributions to top up their pension either through the Civil Service Additional Voluntary Contributions Scheme (CSAVCS), a money purchase arrangement, or by buying added years of service in the PCSPS. As an alternative to membership of the PCSPS recruits from 1 October 2002 have been able to join a stakeholder arrangement, the partnership pension account.
	The number and percentage of staff in the department who are making additional voluntary contributions to their pension as at 1 May 2005 are shown in the table.
	
		
			   Number  Percentage of Headcount  (excl Ministers and Special Advisers) 
			 CSAVCS 5 0.95 
			 Added Years 19 3.6 
			 Partnership 5 0.95

Departmental Staff

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many staff in her Department have had  (a) five or more,  (b) four,  (c) three and  (d) two periods of sick leave of less than five days in each of the last three years.

David Lammy: The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Sick absence figures are contained in the annual report entitled Analysis of Sickness Absence in the Civil Service published by the Cabinet Office. Table A of the report gives details of both the average working days absence per staff year and the number of staff years on which that calculation is based. The most recent report for the calendar year 2004 was published on 1 November 2005, copies of which are available in the Library. This report and those for 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 are available on the Cabinet Office website at: http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/management/occupational_ health/publications/index.asp

Departmental Staff

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many non-pensionable bonuses were awarded to members of her staff in each of the last three years; and at what total cost.

David Lammy: The information is in the following table:
	
		
			   Number of non-pensionable bonuses  Total cost of non-pensionable bonuses (£)  Percentage of paybill 
			 2003-04 232 229,096 1.2 
			 2004-05 239 243,276 1.2 
			 2005-06 276 332,109 1.6

Departmental Staff

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many staff in her Department did not achieve an acceptable mark in their annual report in each of the last three years; and what percentage this represented of the total number of staff in each case.

David Lammy: In each of the last three years, the number of employees who did not achieve an acceptable mark in their annual report totalled less than five. The actual numbers and the percentages these represent of the total number of staff cannot be released on grounds of confidentiality.

Engagements

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will visit Shrewsbury to discuss the proposed theatre project with the council.

David Lammy: Neither my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State nor I have plans to visit Shrewsbury at the current time. I am however aware of plans to build a new theatre in the town and understand that Arts Council England's West Midlands office is in contact with the council over the project.

The Public

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much has been paid by the Arts Council to the consultant Paul Lamb in connection with his work for the arts organisation The Public in West Bromwich in each of the last 10 years.

David Lammy: The information requested in this question is commercial-in-confidence and as The Public is currently in administration, it would not be appropriate to release it at this time.

The Public

Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much the Arts Council paid the consultant Gary Jones to examine the management structure of the arts organisation the Public in West Bromwich; and if he will list other projects he has assessed for the Arts Council.

David Lammy: The information requested in the first part of this question is commercially sensitive and as The Public is currently in administration, it would not be appropriate to release it at this time.
	Gary Jones' company, Blackbushe, has received direct payments from Arts Council England for work on three projects since January 2004. These are for work on the Derby Playhouse (January 2004), the Ocean Music Trust (October 2004) and The Public (March 2005).

Government Art Collection

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the Answer to the hon. Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Mr. Hayes) of 5 December 2005,  Official Report, column 1018W, on the Government Art Collection, whether there are plans to insure further items in the Government Art Collection.

David Lammy: The Government Art Collection is not commercially insured. As a general rule, the Government does not purchase commercial insurance for the risks it faces as, in general, it is cheaper for Government to cover its own risks. The Government Art Collection does not plan to insure further items beyond those works of art on display in non-government buildings.

Hylas Spacecraft

Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions her Department has had with Digital UK on the use of the Hylas spacecraft to increase digital television reception in rural areas; and if she will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: holding answer 25 May 2006
	Neither I nor my officials have had any discussions with Digital UK regarding the use of the Hylas satellite.

Leased Land

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what  (a) land and  (b) property her Department (i) leases and (ii) leased in (A) 1979, (B) 1983, (C) 1987, (D) 1992 and (E) 1997 in (1) the Southend, West constituency, (2) Essex, (3) Hertfordshire and (4) the Metropolitan Police area of London.

David Lammy: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport does not have and has never held leases in the Southend, West constituency, Essex or Hertfordshire.
	In the Metropolitan Police area of London, the Department currently leases the following properties: 2 to 4 Cockspur Street; Oceanic House, 1a Cockspur Street; Grove House, 2 to 6 Orange Street; Queen's Yard, 179a Tottenham Court Road; 55 Blandford Street.
	The Department was created under its previous name, the Department for National Heritage, in 1992. It thus held no leases in 1979,1983 or 1987. In 1992, the Department leased 2 to 4 Cockspur Street and 2 Sheraton Street. In 1997 the Department leased 2 to 4 Cockspur Street; 2 Sheraton Street; Grove House, 2 to 6 Orange Street; and Haymarket House, Oxendon Street.

Libraries

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many static public libraries there are in England.

David Lammy: The number of static public libraries in England in each of the last five years was as follows.
	
		
			  Static libraries in England (by hours open per week) 
			   60 plus  45 to 59  30 to 44  10 to 29  <10 
			 2000-01 19 469 1,206 1,331 130 
			 2001-02 28 493 1,199 1,311 115 
			 2002-03 42 598 1,168 1,240 91 
			 2003-04 51 683 1,143 1,186 80 
			 2004-05 69 727 1,139 1,106 96 
		
	
	The original source for these statistics is the Public Library Statistics Actuals, published by the Chartered Institute for Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). These are published annually, most recently in January 2006.

Libraries

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the level of funding for libraries.

David Lammy: In terms of public libraries, there is no ring-fenced Government core funding: such funding is via the Local Government Financial Settlement administered by the Department for Communities and Local Government.
	It is for the 149 library authorities in England to decide upon the level of funding for their services bearing in mind their statutory responsibility to make comprehensive and efficient provision.
	The public library statistics published by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy show that library authorities made net expenditure (excluding capital charges) of £817,216,604 in 2004-05 (the latest figure available). The comparable figure for the previous year was £781,990,546.
	Additional examples of funding for public libraries from within my Department's portfolio are the £120 million of National Lottery support for the People's Network, around £130 million of DCMS Private Finance Initiative Credits for library or part library projects, and the ongoing DCMS funding of £2 million per annum for the Framework for the Future Action Plan programme. I also look forward to the Big Lottery Fund's £80 million community library funding programme which will be launched later this year.
	My Department is also responsible for sponsorship of the British Library, the UK's national library. Grant-in-aid funding to the British Library over the 2004 Spending Review period is as follows:
	
		
			£ million 
			 2005-06 Estimated outturn 96.3 
			 2006-07 Planned 102.2 
			 2007-08 Planned 104.4 
			  Source:  DCMS Annual Report 2006

Licensed Premises

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many outlets in  (a) the county of Greater Manchester,  (b) Tameside metropolitan borough and  (c) Stockport metropolitan borough have been prosecuted under the Licensing Act 2003.

Shaun Woodward: This information is not held centrally.

Licensing Act

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when the Government will publish the first part of the review of its Guidance in respect of the Licensing Act 2003.

Shaun Woodward: Following the initial review, which covers issues where a broad consensus exists among stakeholders, it is expected that supplementary Guidance will be laid before Parliament in June 2006.

Licensing Act

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the Government's proposed timetable is for the completion of the second part of the review of its Guidance in respect of the Licensing Act 2003.

Shaun Woodward: We expect to lay a revised version of the Guidance before Parliament by the end of 2006.

Live Music

Anne Moffat: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps the Government are taking to support live music.

Shaun Woodward: The Government are committed to supporting live music in all its forms. Through the Live Music Forum, we are working to ensure that opportunities for the promotion of live music are realised to the full. We are also achieving this through increased investment—funding for music through Arts Council England has more than doubled since 1997 to over £100 million in 2006.

Lotteries

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to restrict the ability of gambling operations to market lottery style betting games.

Richard Caborn: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State does not have any plans to impose conditions to operating licences under section 68 of the Gambling Act 2005 in relation to lottery style betting games.
	The Gambling Act 2005 sets out the definitions of different types of gambling activity, and provides that it is a criminal offence to offer facilities for gambling without authorisation.
	However, should the Commission consider that there is a regulatory need to do so, it does have powers under section 79 of the Act to impose conditions on operators which relate to the manner, nature and circumstances (including marketing) of licensed activities (including lottery style betting games).

Lotteries

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she will announce her decision on the review by the Gambling Commission, of the legal limits on the size of  (a) prizes and  (b) proceeds of society lotteries.

Richard Caborn: We are currently considering the Gambling Commission's review of the limits on the prizes and proceeds for society lotteries, and will make an announcement in due course.

Lotteries

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether it is Government policy to encourage competition between the National Lottery and society lotteries.

Richard Caborn: The Government believe that society lotteries and the National Lottery can co-exist happily. Both types of lottery play an important role in raising money for good causes, and it is our policy to ensure that appropriate and proportionate regulation applies in each case. Society lotteries are required to abide by strict limits on proceeds and prizes, currently up to £2 million and £200,000 respectively in any single lottery. We are supporting the work of society lotteries by introducing a range of deregulatory measures through the Gambling Act 2005, and by strengthening the protection for society lotteries from illegal lotteries that purport to be prize competitions in certain media outlets. The National Lottery continues to be regulated under separate legislation.

Museums and Galleries

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many items in national museums and galleries have not been on public display in the last three years.

David Lammy: The number of collection items in the DCMS-sponsored museums and galleries that have not been on public display in the past three years was estimated to have been around 105 million in October 2005. I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for East Devon (Mr. Swire) on 11 October 2005,  Official Report, column 459W.

Museums and Galleries

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the most recent estimate is of the size of the reserve collections of the national museums and galleries.

David Lammy: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for East Devon (Mr. Swire) on 11 October 2005,  Official Report, column 459W.

National Lottery

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions her Department has had with the Department for Education and Skills on the use of lottery funding for projects in schools.

Richard Caborn: We have regular discussions with colleagues at the Department for Education and Skills about joint programmes, such as those that receive funding from the Big Lottery Fund and the Arts and Sports Councils. For example, this includes the £750 million New Opportunities for PE and Sport (NOPES) programme which is bringing about a step change in the provision of sporting facilities for young people and the community more generally.

National Lottery

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the current balance is of lottery funds held in the national lottery distribution fund on behalf of the Millennium Commission.

Richard Caborn: The Millennium Commission's balance held in the national lottery distribution fund at the end of April 2006 was £56.1 million of which £34.5 million has been committed under existing grant programmes and for operating costs. The uncommitted balance is allocated to the Millennium Commission's final funding programmes, and decisions will be made on these in due course.
	Under the provisions of the National Lottery Bill, the Big Lottery Fund, as the Millennium Commission's successor body, would take on any remaining balance and funding commitments.

National Lottery

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the  (a) cost to date and  (b) projected cost is of the merger of the Community Fund and the New Opportunities Fund to create the Big Lottery Fund.

Richard Caborn: The cost to date of the administrative merger of the Community Fund and the New Opportunities Fund to create the Big Lottery Fund is £4.976 million. The administrative merger is now effectively complete, though some minor costs will be incurred in effecting the legal merger, if the National Lottery Bill is passed. Savings of £3.5 million a year on costs have already been achieved and overall the merger will lead to savings of 10 to 20 per cent. of pre-merger costs, which equates to around £6 million to £12 million per annum.

National Lottery

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much the national lottery operator has paid to the National Lottery Commission in licence fees in each year since 1994.

Richard Caborn: The information is as follows:
	
		
			   Amount (£) 
			 1994-95 110,000 
			 1995-96 260,000 
			 1996-97 340,000 
			 1997-98 400,000 
			 1998-99 380,000 
			 1999-2000 480,000 
			 2000-01 620,000 
			 2001-02 544,000 
			 2002-03 820,000 
			 2003-04 428,000 
			 2004-05 316,000 
			 2005-06 371,000 
		
	
	The figures for licence fees between 1994-95 and 1998-99 are cash-based and from 1999-2000 accruals-based. The figure for the year ending 31 March 2006 is not yet available, but will be published when the accounts for that period are laid before Parliament in July 2006.

National Lottery

Mark Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many members of the public her Department consulted on the proposed changes to the National Lottery; and how many responses were received.

Richard Caborn: My Department held a public consultation between 25 November 2005 and 28 February 2006 about Lottery funding for the good causes of arts and film, heritage and sport after 2009. The consultation could be accessed online through the Department's website and respondents could also reply by postage-paid questionnaire. The consultation received 11,476 responses. The same consultation was also carried out by Camelot, on its players' website, for the two weeks to 28 February 2006, receiving 175 responses. My Department also commissioned a series of focus groups across the UK.

National Lottery

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what amount of National Lottery prize money remains unclaimed; and if she will make a statement.

Richard Caborn: Amounts in respect of unclaimed prize money are paid to the National Lottery Distribution Fund (NLDF)180 days after the relevant draw, or 180 days after the end of the relevant scratchcard game.
	From the launch in 1994 to 28 April 2006, £824.4 million in unclaimed prize money has been paid to the NLDF.
	During the 180-day period, unclaimed prize money is held in Player Trust Accounts. The figure for unclaimed prize money held in Player Trust Accounts is calculated on the last Friday of every month. The figure on 28 April 2006 was £54.5 million.

National Lottery

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the total amount  (a) allocated and  (b) distributed by each of the lottery distribution bodies in (i) 2005 and (ii) 2006.

Richard Caborn: The table shows the value of grants awarded and how much has been spent by each lottery distributor, using the financial years closest to those in the question.
	The information in table (a) is derived from the Department's lottery award database, searchable at www.lottery.culture.gov.uk, which uses information supplied by the lottery distributors. The 2006 figures are the latest available, but will exclude awards yet to be reported to the Department and included on the database.
	It often takes time for projects that are awarded lottery money to start spending on a project; consequently awards are often spent wholly or partly in different years from those in which they are made.
	The expenditure figures are the sum drawn down from the National Lottery Distribution Fund by each distributor for the years in question, and include operating costs.
	
		
			  Table (a) 
			  £ 
			   Awarded: 
			  Distributing body  2004-05  2005-06 
			 Arts Council England 123,837,021 144,370,701 
			 Arts Council of Northern Ireland 13,513,693 5,447,527 
			 Arts Council of Wales 13,138,415 9,425,019 
			 Community Fund(1) 204,519,573 420,851,262 
			 Heritage Lottery Fund 332,083,116 251,528,624 
			 Millennium Commission 33,100,574 653,256 
			 New Opportunities Fund(2) 385 772 523 102,377,345 
			 Scottish Arts Council 14,639,584 2,529,305 
			 Scottish Screen 4,058,244 1,279,638 
			 Sport England 165,523,562 23,580,559 
			 Sport Scotland 11,077,149 2,179,158 
			 Sports Council for Northern Ireland 456,545 923,315 
			 Sports Council for Wales 4,494,469 2,170,800 
			 UK Film Council 29,022,291 46,204,800 
			 UK Sport 44,621,329 3,476,241 
			 (1) Home Front Recall and the Awards For All Scheme have been included in the figure for the Community Fund.  (2) This includes new programs which have started since the administrative merger of the Community Fund and New Opportunities Fund. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table (b) 
			  £ 
			   Spent: 
			  Distributing body  2004-05  2005-06 
			 Arts Council England 187,259,495 187,611,134 
			 Arts Council of Northern Ireland 8,844,893 10,744,933 
			 Arts Council of Wales 16,044,448 12,715,397 
			 Community Fund 263,685,527 246,852,654 
			 Heritage Lottery Fund 297,713,444 373,082,606 
			 Millennium Commission 54,532,676 51,590,841 
			 New Opportunities Fund 520,000,000 641,200,000 
			 Scottish Arts Council 22,689,783 23,046,339 
			 Scottish Screen 603,632 2,576,767 
			 Sport England 184,000,000 193,100,000 
			 Sport Scotland 28,299,446 21,452,710 
			 Sports Council for Northern Ireland 5,711,573 6,648,731 
			 Sports Council for Wales 17,633,000 12,312,000 
			 UK Film Council 30,637,905 35,581,617 
			 UK Sport 17,252,838 23,245,972

National Sports Foundation

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the progress of the work of the National Sports Foundation.

Richard Caborn: I am very pleased that the National Sports Foundation has made its first award. This was to the Lords Taverners for £177,500, to support their excellent work to promote the growth of grass roots cricket through the provision of cricket equipment bags to junior cricketers. This funding, which will help ensure that we capitalise on the explosion of interest in cricket among our young people following last summer's Ashes series, was matched by a donation from the England and Wales Cricket Trust.
	I understand that the Foundation is in continuing discussions with potential sponsors as well as sporting organisations and they are hopeful that further awards will be announced shortly.

Paddington Station

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans have been made for the conservation of the fourth span at Paddington station; and if she will make a statement on the station's future as a Grade I listed building.

David Lammy: Paddington station was listed at Grade I in 1961. In March English Heritage received an application to amend the list entry in relation to Span Four. Once we have received English Heritage's advice, the Secretary of State will determine whether the list entry for Paddington should be revised.

Shrewsbury (Sports Village)

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will visit the new sports village in Shrewsbury to see the facilities provided by the borough council.

Richard Caborn: I am always keen to visit new sports facilities—especially those that have received significant Government and Lottery investment such as the new sports village in Shrewsbury. I would be delighted to pay a visit if my diary allows.

Small Change Big Difference

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps her Department and its agencies have taken following the launch of the Government's Small Change Big Difference Campaign.

Richard Caborn: The Department has not yet taken specific steps as a direct result of the launch of the Small Change Big Difference campaign. However, working largely through Sport England, the lead national body for promoting grassroots participation in sport, we are supporting a range of initiatives to help increase participation in sport and active recreation which reflect and support the campaign's advice.
	As the programme of work develops, the Department of Health will be working across all of government to ensure the programme joins up to promote maximum impact. DOH is leading the implementation for this initiative as part of its cross-government commitment to deliver the public health White Paper Choosing Health.

Television (Wales)

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps she is taking to ensure access to  (a) BBC Wales,  (b) ITV Wales and  (c) S4C in north-east Wales after digital switchover.

Shaun Woodward: Digital Switchover will enable digital terrestrial coverage to match the current 98.5 per cent. analogue level. Switchover for the HTV Wales region will happen in the second half of 2009.
	After switchover, viewers in Wales who currently receive BBC Wales, ITV Wales and S4C in analogue terrestrial form, will continue to receive those services in digital form. But these services are also available on satellite to the whole country.

Television Advertising

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which organisations Ofcom has met to discuss restrictions on television advertising of food products targeting children since she asked Ofcom to examine the issue on 1 December 2003; and on what dates.

Shaun Woodward: The matter raised is the responsibility of the Office of Communications as independent regulator. Accordingly, my officials have asked the Chief Executive of Ofcom to respond directly to my hon. Friend. Copies of the Chief Executive's letter will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Television Licence (Second Homes)

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much the BBC raised in licence fees from second homes in each of the last five years.

Shaun Woodward: holding answer 25 May 2006
	The information requested is not collected centrally. The fact that a property is a second home is not relevant to the television licensing requirements, except for people aged 75 or over, who receive free licences for their main address only.

ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE

Electoral Commission

Andrew Turner: To ask my hon. Friend the hon. Member for Gosport, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, what the total cost of the Electoral Commission has been in each financial year since its inception.

Peter Viggers: The Electoral Commission estimates its net resource out-turn expenditure in 2005-06 to be £21.924 million. The corresponding figures for earlier years are given in the Commission's annual reports and accounts for the years concerned. These have been laid before the House and may be viewed in the Library.

Boundary Proposals (Election Periods)

Paul Rowen: To ask the hon. Member for Gosport, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission whether it is the policy of the Electoral Commission not to issue Boundary Committee proposals during an election period.

Peter Viggers: The Electoral Commission's responsibilities in relation to boundary matters extend only to local authority ward boundaries in England. I am informed that its statutory committee, the Boundary Committee for England, has not issued proposals for new local authority electoral arrangements during an election period since April 2002.

Electoral Registration

Oliver Heald: To ask my hon. Friend the hon. Member for Gosport, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, what research the Commission has undertaken of the number of  (a) failed asylum seekers and  (b) foreign nationals not from the Commonwealth or Irish Republic who are fraudulently on the electoral register.

Peter Viggers: The Electoral Commission informs me that it has undertaken no research into these issues.
	Where it appears to an Electoral Registration Officer that an attempt has been made by any individual to register fraudulently, it would be for them to make inquiries and, if appropriate, alert the police.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

Cathedrals

Mark Pritchard: To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners what central funding the commissioners expect to receive in 2006-07 for repairs to cathedrals.

Stuart Bell: None. In this period grant aid for repairs paid directly to English cathedrals from English Heritage will be £1 million, which has been the level since 2005.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

Departmental Bills (Amendments)

David Amess: To ask the Solicitor-General if he will list the occasions when an amendment has been moved by  (a) a Labour backbencher,  (b) an Opposition backbencher and  (c) an Opposition front bench spokesman to a Bill sponsored by his Department that has been accepted by his Department during the current session; and if he will make a statement.

Mike O'Brien: My Departments have not sponsored any legislation in the current session.

Private Members' Bills

David Amess: To ask the Solicitor-General if he will list those Private Members' Bills in respect of which his Department has adopted a policy of neutrality in each session since 2001-02; and if he will make a statement.

Mike O'Brien: The information requested is not collected by my Departments and providing it would incur disproportionate costs.

SCOTLAND

Devolution

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what devolution issues the Advocate General has considered since 9 May.

David Cairns: Since 9 May, 37 devolution issues have been intimated to the Advocate General. Of these 37 devolution issues, 20 arose in civil proceedings and 17 in criminal proceedings.

Eid-Ul-Adha

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many staff from his Department attended the Civil Service Islamic Society Eid-Ul-Adha event in London in 2005; and what the total cost was to his Department of their attendance.

David Cairns: My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has written to the hon. Member with details of the Civil Service Islamic Society Eid-Ul-Adha event. A copy of the letter has been placed in the Library.

International Meetings

Angus MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will encourage the Scottish Executive to participate in UK delegations as appropriate at relevant international meetings; and if he will make a statement.

David Cairns: Arrangements for the Scottish Executive participating in UK delegations to international meetings are clearly laid out in the Memorandum of Understanding and Supplementary Agreements—specifically the Concordats on the Co-ordination of European Union Policy Issues and International Relations.

Parliamentary Questions

David Marshall: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide a substantive reply to Question 63598, on electors in Scottish constituencies, tabled by the hon. Member for Glasgow East on 14 April.

David Cairns: As my hon. Friend is aware, I replied on 24 May 2006,  Official Report, columns 1804-05W.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

32 (The Royal) Squadron

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the occasions on which she has used 32 (The Royal) Squadron since 2001; what the approximate take-off and landing times were of each flight; whether the carbon emissions were offset in respect of each flight; which other transport options were considered for each flight; why other transport options were not used; for what official duties each flight was used; and if she will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: The rules on the use of special flights, including 32 Squadron, are set out in "Travel by Ministers". The annual lists of overseas travel by Cabinet Ministers costing over £500 set out when special flights are used, and the destination, cost and purpose of each trip. Copies are available in the Library. Carbon dioxide emissions arising from 32 Squadron flights are included in the Government's carbon offsetting commitment. Carbon emissions arising from the use of these flights have been recorded and offset in the same way as the use of scheduled flights since April 2005.

Agricultural Ties

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what restrictions an agricultural tie places on occupants of a house so registered; and if he will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: An agricultural tie is a condition attached to the planning consent for a house or another similar dwelling. The precise conditions that the tie brings will vary from case to case. However, these will usually limit occupation of the property to an agricultural worker, or their widow or widower.

Agricultural Waste

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he expects to bring into force regulations to bring agricultural waste within the controls of the waste framework and the landfill directives.

Ben Bradshaw: The Waste Management (England and Wales) Regulations 2006 came into force on 15 May 2006. These Regulations apply to agricultural waste the same national waste management controls that have long applied to other sectors of industry. The Regulations comply with the Waste Framework Directive (75/442/EEC as amended) and the Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC).

Agricultural Waste

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the Agricultural Waste Stakeholders Forum has determined how farm plastic waste can best be collected and recovered; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: The Agricultural Waste Stakeholders' Forum (AWSF) has been awarded £1 million worth of funding under the Business Resource Efficiency and Waste (BREW) Programme over three years. This is to develop a programme of work examining how farm plastic waste can best be collected and recovered within the formal structure of a producer responsibility scheme. Producer responsibility regulations are already in place for producers placing packaging on the market. It is likely that any new collection scheme will be set up to collect both packaging and non-packaging farm plastics.
	This programme of work is feeding into the development of statutory producer responsibility regulations. These are currently being developed to increase the collection and recycling of non-packaging farm plastics.
	An advisory group, operating as part of the existing Advisory Committee on Packaging, is also being established to assist with the development of the regulations. This group will include producers of both packaging and non-packaging farm plastics, the farming community, the waste industry and relevant Government Departments and Environment Agencies.

Agricultural Waste

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether he plans to develop a national producer responsibility scheme for the collection and recovery of farm plastics.

Ben Bradshaw: Research has shown that most farmers and growers are keen to recycle waste non-packaging farm plastics.
	On 21 March this year, Defra announced plans to develop statutory producer responsibility regulations to increase the collection and recycling of non-packaging farm plastics. This was in response to a consultation carried out in December 2004, which put forward proposals for such a scheme. The regulations will be developed in collaboration with the devolved administrations, covering England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland will consider introducing separate regulations following consultation.
	Producer responsibility regulations are already in place for those producers placing packaging on the market. It is expected that any collection scheme would be set up to collect both packaging and non-packaging farm plastics.

Badgers/Bovine Tuberculosis

Eric Martlew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  on what scientific evidence he based his estimate of culling efficiency in the Krebs Trial;
	(2)  what methods of estimating the badger population were used to monitor the effectiveness of badger culling in the Randomised Badger Cull Trial;
	(3)  what factors account for the size of the range in his Department's figure for badger culling efficiency;
	(4)  whether the Independent Scientific Group validated his Department's badger culling efficiency figure; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: Culling efficiency in the proactive trial areas is calculated by taking the proportion of the badger population that is available to be trapped within the whole trial area (the trapping efficacy) and correcting this to reflect the degree of landowner consent.
	At the time of publishing the consultation document, "Controlling the Spread of Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle in High Incidence Areas in England: Badger Culling", experts at the Central Science Laboratory (CSL) estimated the culling efficiency within the proactive areas of the Randomised Badger Culling Trial (RBCT) to have been 20 to 60 per cent. during the initial proactive culling operations. This figure was based on a trapping efficacy of 50 to 80 per cent. and landowner consent of 43 to 82 per cent.
	The Independent Scientific Group (ISG) on cattle TB believe the trapping efficiency may be greater than the 20 to 60 per cent. estimate. I have asked CSL to carry out further analysis on both these estimates, using the latest data from the RBCT. Variations in trapping efficiency will reflect the season, the weather, the differing amount of non-consent land within each proactive removal area, and trap interference. The approach and results from the revised estimates will be discussed with the ISG.
	At the end of the trial, following the completion of all culling, the relative density of badgers in the proactive and survey only areas was assessed using a technique known as distance sampling. This found that there was an average difference of 58 per cent. (range 26 to 93 per cent.) in the relative density of badgers in the proactive and survey only areas at the end of the proactive treatments.

Badgers/Bovine Tuberculosis

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research he has collated on the levels of tuberculosis in badgers.

Ben Bradshaw: Data from the Road Traffic Accident (RTA) survey and the Randomised Badger Culling Trial (RBCT) have been used to estimate the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in badgers. RTA badger prevalence data for 2002 to 2004 are available on the Defra website: http://vwwv.defra.gov.uk/animalh/tb/isg/publications/isg1430.pdf
	Data on the prevalence of TB in badgers culled in the initial proactive culls of the RBCT can be found in table 2 of the paper from the Independent Scientific Group on Cattle TB entitled "The Spatial Association of Mycobacterium bovis in cattle and badgers". Further information about this paper is available on the Defra website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/tb/isg/isgpublications.htm

Bills

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will list the occasions when an amendment has been moved by  (a) a Labour back bencher,  (b) Opposition back bencher and  (c) Opposition front bench spokesman to a Bill sponsored by his Department, which has been accepted by his Department during the 2005-06 Session; and if he will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has sponsored the following Bills during the current session.
	Animal Health and Welfare Bill
	Commons Bill
	Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill (received Royal Assent on 30 March 2006)
	Information on amendments moved and accepted during the Committee and Report Stage on these Bills is published in the  Official Report.

Biomass

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what tonnage of woodchip from forests and woodlands in each region was used in biomass  (a) boilers and  (b) electricity generators in the last year for which figures are available.

Ian Pearson: The Forestry Commission are currently compiling data on the use of forestry woodfuel in each region of England. Usage ranges from 1,000 to 10,000 green tonnes (gt) per region per year. In total each year, around 36,000 gt are estimated to be used for biomass boilers and 50,000 gt for co-firing in electricity generators.

Biomass

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to paragraph 9.5 of the Government's Response to the Biomass Task Force, by what date he expects the planned two million tonnes per annum production to be achieved.

Ian Pearson: The Forestry Commission will be submitting options for delivery to the Government in its report at the end of September 2006.

Brownfield Development

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations his Department has received on the effect of the definition of waste on the use of soil and aggregates in the context of land remediation and brownfield development.

Ben Bradshaw: The most recent representations received by the Department on this issue are contained in a letter dated 4 May from the Environmental Industries Commission, to which I will be responding shortly.

Climate Change

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions he has had with  (a) companies and  (b) others with large energy bills on plans to restrict carbon dioxide emissions.

Ian Pearson: In 2005, the Government commissioned research from the Carbon Trust and Ecofys to assess alternative policies to increase carbon savings from the non-energy intensive business and the public sector. The Carbon Trust held five stakeholder workshops with energy-intensive sectors, non-energy-intensive sectors (hosted by CBI), the public sector, NGOs and suppliers of energy-efficient equipment.
	In October 2005, DEFRA, DTI and the Climate Group co-hosted a major international conference for business entitled "Climate Change: The Business Forecast". This was attended by over 300 delegates from the UK, other EU and G8 countries, and the major emerging economies of China, Mexico and South Africa.
	Energy-intensive industries are covered by the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. DEFRA and DTI have consulted extensively with industry during the development of the phase 2 National Allocation Plan, which sets out our plans to restrict carbon dioxide emissions between 2008-12. A questionnaire canvassing stakeholders' initial views on the longer term future of the EU ETS, post-2012, has recently issued to feed into the Commission's review of the scheme.
	Negotiations are continuing with sectors that became eligible for entry into climate change agreements under S159/2006 and 60/2006, which came into force on 21 January 2006. To date, six new sectors covering approximately 180 companies have joined the agreements. A further six sectors covering approximately 140 companies are awaiting state aid approval and the laying of further regulations before their agreements can be signed.

Correspondence

Ben Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what average time was taken by Ministers in his Department to respond to correspondence from hon. and right hon. Members in the last period for which figures are available; and what targets he has set for this process.

Barry Gardiner: Departmental performance in responding to correspondence to Ministers from hon. and right hon. Members, including Members of the House of Lords, is reported annually to Parliament by the Cabinet Office. The latest annual report shows that Defra received 14,305 letters in 2004 and replied to 81 per cent. of these within the Department's target of 15 working days. In 2005, Defra received 12,051 letters and replied to 75 per cent. of these within its target.

Correspondence

Graham Allen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Nottingham, North on organic food dated 16 March.

Ben Bradshaw: A reply was sent to my hon. Friend on 11 April 2006. I will arrange for a further copy to be sent.

Departmental Estate

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what  (a) land and  (b) property his Department and its predecessors (i) leases and (ii) leased in (A) Southend, West constituency, (B) Essex, (C) Hertfordshire and (D) the Metropolitan police area of London in (1) 1979, (2) 1983, (3) 1987, (4) 1992 and (5) 1997.

Barry Gardiner: The Department was not created until 2001. Leased property occupied by its predecessor, MAFF, prior to 1990 was acquired for the Ministry by the Property Services Agency (PSA). The dates on which such property was acquired are not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Leased property held in 1992 and acquired between then and 1997 is listed as follows. No land was leased in these areas during the years concerned.
	 1. Southend, West constituency:
	None
	 2. Essex:
	 1992
	Fisheries Office, Waterside, Brightlingsea
	Fairfax House, North Station Road, Colchester
	Fisheries Office, Hythe Quay, Colchester
	Riverside House, Tilbury Dock, Tilbury
	3 Charter Court, Severalls Park, Colchester
	 1997
	Fisheries Office, Hythe Quay, Colchester
	Riverside House, Tilbury Dock, Tilbury
	3 Charter Court, Severalls Park, Colchester
	 3. Hertfordshire:
	 1992
	Plant Pathology Laboratory, Hatching Green Drive, Harpenden
	Rothampstead Experimental Station, Harpenden
	Mardell House, Vaughan Road, Harpenden
	77B South Street, Bishops Stortford
	 1997
	Plant Pathology Laboratory, Hatching Green Drive, Harpenden
	 4. Metropolitan police area of London:
	 1992
	Building 521, Heathrow Airport
	3-8 Whitehall Place, London
	10 Whitehall Place, London
	55 Whitehall, London
	Victory House, 30-34 Kingsway, London
	Eastbury House, 30-34 Albert Embankment, London
	Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London
	Ergon House, 17 Smith Square, London
	Allen House, 23 Sherrin Road, Leyton, London
	Unit 1C, Western International Market, Hounslow
	 1997
	As for 1992

Departmental Expenditure

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many staff from his Department attended the Civil Service Islamic Society Eid-Ul-Adha event in London in 2005; and what the total cost to his Department was of their attendance.

Barry Gardiner: My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will write to the hon. Member with details of the Civil Service Islamic Society Eid-UI-Adha event. Copies of her letter will be placed in the Library.

Departmental Funding

Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what procedures he will use to assess the socio-economic effects of reductions in funding by his Department to research establishments following the effects of publication of the Research Council Institute's Public Sector Sustainability Survey.

Barry Gardiner: holding answer 22 May 2006
	Decisions on where to place research contracts are taken on assessment of how the identified research need can best be met. Socio-economic considerations are not part of the scientific review process when assessing research proposals.

Departmental Staff

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many staff by  (a) headcount and  (b) full-time equivalent work on his blog, broken down by (i) grade and (ii) office or directorate of his Department in which the staff work; and if he will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: The Secretary of State writes his own blog. Two staff in Defra's Communications Directorate—at Grade 7 and Higher Executive Officer grades—have integrated the blog into Defra's website, and continue to oversee operation. For the two weeks following the recent ministerial changes, approximately 30 to 40 per cent. of their time was spent on work in some way connected to the blog. This is expected to decrease.
	The blog promotes a new and more direct form of communication between the public and the Secretary of State.

Departmental Staff

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many staff in his Department have had  (a) five or more,  (b) four,  (c) three and  (d) two periods of sick leave of less than five days in each of the last three years.

Barry Gardiner: The number of staff in Defra, the State Veterinary Service, the Marine Fisheries Agency and the Government Decontamination Service that had two or more periods of sickness absence of fewer than five days in 2005 was as follows:
	
		
			  Number of periods of absence  Number of staff 
			  (a) 5 or more 633 
			  (b) 4 429 
			  (c) 3 682 
			  (d) 2 1,085 
		
	
	The number of staff in Defra, SVS, MFA and GDS in 2005 was 7,315 full-time equivalents.
	Data on sickness absences for Defra's other Executive Agencies are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Data for other years are unavailable.
	In Defra, managers are responsible for managing sick absence levels and encouraging a working environment where people want to come to work and where they support each other. They discuss each occasion of absence with the employee upon their return to work to determine any action or individual support needs. A new contract for the provision of occupational health services ensures that assistance is available to managers who have particular concerns over an individual's general health or sickness absence.

Departmental Staff

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what incentives his Department offers to encourage staff to share vehicles when travelling to work.

Barry Gardiner: The majority of larger Defra and Agency sites have Green Travel Plans which apart from promoting other forms of travel to work, such as cycling, include local arrangement where priority parking provision for the drivers of shared vehicles is made available where space permits.

Departmental Staff

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many and what percentage of staff in his Department are making additional voluntary contributions to their pension.

Barry Gardiner: Members of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (PCSPS) can pay additional contributions to top up their pension either through the Civil Service Additional Voluntary Contributions Scheme (CSAVCS), a money purchase arrangement, or by buying added years of service in the PCSPS. As an alternative to membership of the PCSPS recruits from 1 October 2002 have been able to join a stakeholder arrangement, the partnership pension account.
	The number and percentage of staff in the department who are making additional voluntary contributions to their pension as at 31 May 2006 are shown in the table.
	
		
			   Number  Percentage 
			 CSAVCS 127 1.6 
			 Added Years 460 5.9 
			 Partnership 172 2.2 
		
	
	These figures, taken from the DEFRA payroll also include agency staff in the: Pesticides Safety Directorate, State Veterinary Service, Veterinary Medicines Directorate, Marine Fisheries Agency and Government Decontamination Service.

Fisheries

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will propose to his EU colleagues a ban on EU fishing in the waters of Western Sahara in view of the fact it is a disputed territory.

Ben Bradshaw: The UK's position on the EU-Morocco fisheries agreement remains that Morocco, the de facto administering power of Western Sahara, is obliged under international law to ensure that economic activities under their administration do not adversely affect the interests of the people of the Western Sahara.

Ivory

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what documentary proof his Department requires to determine the age of an ivory item claimed to be of antique status;
	(2)  what action his Department has taken to curb the illegal ivory trade in the UK since 2004.

Barry Gardiner: The "antiques derogation" as defined in Article 2 of Council Regulation EC 338/97 states that
	"worked specimens that were acquired more than 50 years previously shall mean items that were significantly altered from their natural raw state for jewellery, adornment, art, utility or musical instruments"
	"50 years previously" is defined as pre 1 June 1947.
	An item that satisfies this derogation does not require any application for sale within the ED, and no specific documentary proof is required. Similarly, no permit is needed for re-export, providing that the item is carried in the personal luggage of the traveller. Only where the specimen is being re-exported by an antique dealer and being sent to a purchaser outside the EU is a CITES permit required.
	In these circumstances, where an application has been made, it would be usual to accept the assurances of a reputable antiques dealer that an item is pre-1947. However if there were to be any doubt my officials have an agreement with the British Antique Dealers Association (BADA) for an independent expert to make an assessment on our behalf.
	It is unrealistic to specify documentary evidence as in many cases this simply will not exist. If documentary evidence is thought necessary an affidavit from an independent expert will usually suffice.
	Last year officials prepared a specific guidance note for antique dealers in consultation with the British Antique Dealers Association concerning the control of trade in endangered species. It explains the requirements dealers must comply with when they are engaged in the sale of antique items in the UK, or their export overseas, and the ramifications of non-compliance with the regulations, This has been distributed to trade associations, and to applicants and other people with antique queries.
	Statistics from the Elephant Trade Information System (a global monitoring system established to track and assess the scale of illegal trade in ivory) has not revealed any significant problems of illegal ivory trade in the UK.

Ministerial Cars (Fuel Costs)

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the fuel costs were for ministerial cars used by her Department in each of the last five years.

Barry Gardiner: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 27 April 2006,  Official Report, column 1226W by my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Transport (Dr. Ladyman).

Ministerial Portfolios

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will make a statement on the portfolios of the Ministers within his Department.

Barry Gardiner: Ministers' portfolios remain substantially unchanged from those held by their predecessors.

Organic Food

Michael Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what views  (a) consumer organisations,  (b) the Soil Association and  (c) supermarkets have expressed to him regarding the European Commission's proposal to revise Council regulation 2092/91, on organic production, which will impose a requirement for all organic food produced by British farmers to be labelled with an EU logo and/or the words EU organic.

Ben Bradshaw: Stakeholders in the organic sector have been consulted on the possibility of the compulsory use of the EU logo or the indication EU organic through a written consultation and meetings with the Organic Action Plan group. The Advisory Committee on Organic Standards has also been consulted. In line with the majority of responses we have negotiated on the basis that the UK would prefer a voluntary approach to the use of these indications.

Pest Control

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will reconsider the decision to ban the use of strychnine for mole control by dairy farmers; and what research he has  (a) commissioned and  (b) evaluated on the effectiveness of alternatives.

Anne McGuire: I have been asked to reply
	The UK Government have not banned the use of strychnine for mole control by dairy farmers.
	The use of strychnine for mole control is controlled under the Biocidal Products Directive administered in the UK by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as the UK Competent Authority.
	This Biocidal Products Directive aims to harmonise controls for marketing and use of biocidal products across Europe, while ensuring a high level of protection for human health and the environment. This includes the assessment of the active substances (such as strychnine) in biocidal products, followed by the authorisation of individual products containing those substances. These risks assessments should be based on scientific data packages provided by industry or other interested parties.
	Industry did not submit any such data to support the continued marketing and use of strychnine, and so under the requirements of the directive, strychnine must be removed from the market by 1 September 2006.
	However, the directive does allow member states, on behalf of applicants, to apply for a temporary exemption for substances considered to have 'essential use' in those member states. The HSE has received an application for the 'essential use' of strychnine to control moles from the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) and will forward this to the European Commission for consideration.
	If this application is successful, it will allow strychnine to continue to be used until 14 May 2010. However, in the meantime, industry will need to develop alternative methods for controlling moles in the future.
	On research into alternatives to strychnine, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) published in 2004 a report produced by the Central Science Laboratory which reviewed the range of mole control methods that exist across the EU. The report is available on DEFRA's website at: (http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/vertebrates/reports/mole-review.pdf).

Private Members' Bills

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will list those Private Members' Bills in respect of which his Department has adopted a policy of neutrality in each session since 2001-02; and if he will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: The information requested is not collected by the Department and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Recycling

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps are being taken to increase recycling in England.

Ben Bradshaw: The Government's vision for sustainable waste management in England and Wales and their plan of action are set out in their document, "Waste Strategy 2000", available on the Defra website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/strategv/policy.htm. This is currently under review and our revised strategy will put forward a range of measures to build on recent improvements in recycling.
	Defra has set national targets to increase household waste recycling to 25 per cent. by 2005-06, 30 per cent. by 2010 and 33 per cent. by 2015. The amount of household waste which is recycled has doubled in the last four years and is continuing to rise.
	Local authorities are working hard to improve their performance in household waste recycling, however, Defra is proposing more targeted intervention and engagement with the poorest performers. Those local authorities with the lowest recycling rates in England have had their targets for 2007-08 raised from 18 per cent. to 20 per cent.
	The Waste Minimisation and Recycling Fund and its successor (the Waste Performance and Efficiency Grant) have provided funding totalling £294 million over the three years to 2005-06 for specific projects to expand recycling operations. Through the Private Finance Initiative (PFI), credits worth £355 million have been made available over the same period as an extra source of funding, with a further £535 million available in 2006-07 and 2007-08.
	The Business Resource Efficiency and Waste (BREW) Programme has been developed to give £284 million in additional landfill tax revenues back to business in a revenue neutral way. This is being done by funding resource efficiency and waste projects that will benefit business, including recycling.
	On a national basis, the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) is working to promote sustainable waste management by creating stable and efficient markets for recycled materials and products. WRAP also runs the Recycling and Organics Technical Advisory Team (ROTATE), which is available to all local authorities in England to provide support and advice on the separate collection of dry recyclables and organic wastes.

Rural Enterprise Scheme

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much is available to support applications to the Rural Enterprise Scheme in the South West in 2006-07; how much has been allocated; which applications are being considered; and what the deadline is for applications.

Barry Gardiner: The England Rural Development Programme's Project Based Schemes, including the Rural Enterprise Scheme (RES), will close to new applications on 30 June 2006.
	RES is a competitive scheme that has been very popular and successful in the South West and across the country. The announcement that the scheme would close on 30 June has lead to an increased number of applications, and that has meant that competition for funding has been much higher than usual.
	Over £5.2 million has been allocated to RES in the South West in 2006-07 and a substantial amount of this is now fully committed. Around 100 applications are currently being considered in the South West and the large number of applications will inevitably mean that some projects are unlikely to be funded.
	The Rural Development Service is working to make the best use of funds under the current England Rural Development Programme—to ensure that as much of the money allocated to this programme is spent. RDS will continue to review the funding situation across these schemes and across the country as a whole.

Rural Enterprise Scheme

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the costs to farmers of making applications to the Rural Enterprise Scheme.

Barry Gardiner: No specific assessment of the cost of making an application to the Rural Enterprise Scheme has been carried out, but we know from our work with applicants to schemes run by my Department that the costs associated with applications can vary considerably from case to case. This will depend on the project size and complexity and is usually in proportion to the amount of grant being requested.
	My Department recognises that costs to applicants can be significant. Indeed, the costs of preparing a project and its supporting documentation (which may include feasibility studies, technical development work and preparation of a detailed business case), are themselves eligible for funding. Development costs will not be funded in respect of unsuccessful Rural Enterprise Scheme applications, however; and it is clear throughout the guidance that work is undertaken at the applicant's own risk
	In 2003 we introduced a fast-track system for smaller projects to reduce the detail required. This has helped to keep the costs of applying for small amounts of grant to a minimum.

Rural Payments Agency

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what systems have been established to monitor the quality of Rural Payments Agency staff responses to  (a) telephone calls and  (b) electronic mail.

Barry Gardiner: The information is as follows:
	 (a) Telephone calls
	Customer Service Centre (CSC) telephone agents are monitored by their team leaders and given feedback reports each week. Team leaders also listen into calls on a regular basis. From this, agents are given more specific feedback and advice on call handling techniques. The results of these checks are recorded with the weekly feedback to show where development is required and where progress is being made.
	Team leaders also carry out sample checks of customer records on the main computer application to ensure that calls are being logged to the required standard and all relevant information is noted.
	 (b) Electronic mails
	A call tracking system logs all incoming e-mails and date stamps their receipt. The e-mail is assigned to the appropriate Rural Payments Agency site for a response and the time taken to reply is tracked against published charter targets. Using this system, RPA can measure its e-mail handling performance and also identify bottlenecks in the process and allocate resources efficiently to remove them.
	Once the member of staff has investigated the customer's query and drafted a response it is checked by their line manager to ensure that the reply fully answers the customer's query and that the spelling and grammar is correct. This is then forwarded to the monitoring office for a final review where the reply is checked for plain English, spelling, grammar and layout.
	RPA launched a CSC on 14 February 2005. This was done to streamline single payment scheme and customer registration telephone enquiries into the agency through one route, to allow staff to concentrate on processing. More importantly, this system aims to ensure that customers receive consistent answers and any more complex inquiries can be directed to specialist areas of the business to call the customer back.
	The main call centre is based in Workington with facilities for calls to be diverted to staff at other RPA sites during periods of unusually high demand.

Rural Payments Agency

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what records he keeps of calls back  (a) promised and  (b) made by Rural Payments Agency staff.

Barry Gardiner: The Rural Payments Agency maintains a central computerised database of callers to its customer service centre that require a return call. The system is used when a member of staff is unable to answer a customer's question during the incoming call. All calls requiring a follow up response are logged on a database. Progress in clearing follow up responses is managed by a central team and reported daily to Senior Managers.

Rural Payments Agency

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many complaints about Rural Payment Agency (RPA) payments have been received by RPA staff in each of the last five years; and how complaints were  (a) identified and  (b) defined.

David Tredinnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 10 May 2006 to Question 66634, on single farm payments, how many such complaints have been received for England.

Barry Gardiner: The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) does not separately monitor official complaints made to its Customer Relations Unit that specifically relate to payments.
	Since the establishment of RPA in October 2001, 1,325 official complaints have been received covering all areas of its business. The table shows these broken down by calendar year.
	
		
			   Number 
			 2001 3 
			 2002 212 
			 2003 197 
			 2004 206 
			 2005 424 
			 2006 283 
		
	
	RPA operates an appeal procedure to deal with appeals from customers about decisions reached by RPA which affect the amount of payment which they receive. The Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) appeal procedure in England was introduced on 1 April 2002 and was extended in April 2004 to cover some 60 non-IACS schemes and in November 2004 to cover the Single Payment Scheme (SPS). To date 260 IACS, 15 non-IACS and 51 SPS appeals have been received. In addition, the appeal procedure has dealt with 181 appeals against the Moorland Line and 280 appeals against the historic element of the SPS prior to payments being made.
	
		
			   IACS  Non-IACS  Moorland Line  SPS (Historic)  SPS 
			 2001 — — — — — 
			 2002 26 — — — — 
			 2003 83 — — — — 
			 2004 78 3 82 11 — 
			 2005 57 10 99 246 — 
			 2006 15 2 — 23 51

Rural Payments Agency

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many telephone calls to the Rural Payments Agency Customer Service Centre  (a) were answered and  (b) went unanswered in each month since 2001.

Barry Gardiner: The figures show calls to the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) Customer Service Centre (CSC) Number 0845 603 7777. The CSC went live on 14 February 2005 and therefore we only have the number of calls answered for the last two weeks of February.
	The figures for May, June and July 2005 are gathered from a number of sources and include the use of an external call centre.
	
		
			   Calls offered to 0845 603 7777  Unanswered  Percentage unanswered 
			 February 2005 (Calls answered 12,971 Not available Not available 
			 March 2005 110,215 74,337 67.45 
			 April 2005 195,007 94,948 48.69 
			 May 2005 93,346 8,705 9.33 
			 June 2005 24,496 2,46 1.09 
			 July 2005 20,199 247 1.22 
			 August 2005 20,780 218 1.05 
			 September 2005 21,752 249 1.14 
			 October 2005 26,150 317 1.21 
			 November 2005(1) 26,289 1,168 4.44 
			 December 2005 18,725 187 1.00 
			 January 2006 26,628 185 0.69 
			 February 2006 28,322 175 0.62 
			 March 2006 52,748 450 0.85 
			 April 2006 68,684 281 0.41 
			 (1)The November 2005 figure was the result of an emergency evacuation when approx 600 calls (with a high number of repeat calls) were lost. 
		
	
	RPA launched a CSC on 14 February 2005. This was done to streamline single payment scheme and customer registration telephone enquiries into the agency through one route, to allow staff to concentrate on processing. More importantly, this system aims to ensure that customers receive consistent answers and any, more complex enquiries can be directed to specialist areas of the business to call the customer back.
	The main call centre is based in Workington with facilities for calls to be diverted to staff at other RPA sites during periods of unusually high demand.

Rural Payments Agency

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the average time taken for the Rural Payments Agency to process applications for payments to farmers and agricultural businesses has been in each year since 2001, broken down by scheme.

Barry Gardiner: The Rural Payments Agency does not hold this information and as such it could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Rural Payments Agency

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will make a statement on the differences between the Rural Payments Agency's computer systems at the offices in Reading and at the offices in Newcastle.

Barry Gardiner: The primary computer systems used by the Rural Payments Agency are the same at each office, including Newcastle and Reading. A specialist Document Management Unit (DMU), supported by dedicated computer systems, operates only at the Newcastle office. Dedicated teams of staff at each office are assigned to work on specific schemes or supporting activities and they will use the computer system relevant to that scheme or activity.

Sea Turtles

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  how many live sea turtles were imported into the UK in each of the last five years, broken down by species; from which countries they were imported; how many live sea turtles were exported from the UK in each year, broken down by species; and to which countries they were exported;
	(2)  what the weight of sea turtle products  (a) imported into and  (b) exported from the UK was in each of the last five years; from which countries such products were imported; and to which countries such products were exported.

Barry Gardiner: During the last five years, 21 live sea turtles were imported or exported into the UK as follows:
	
		
			   Species  Origin  Quantity and further information 
			 2001 Caretta caretta Israel One seized by Customs and  returned to Israel for re-introduction (re-export) 
			 2006 Chelonia Mydas Captive bred specimens imported from the Cayman Islands 20 (import) 
		
	
	During the last five years, sea turtle products were imported or exported into the UK as follows:
	
		
			   Species  Origin  Quantity and further information 
			 2001 Cheloniidae spp. — 218 returned used for pre-Convention turtle shell items (import) 
			 2001 Cheloniidae spp. — 1,510 returned used for the re-export of part and derivatives all for pre-Convention items (re-export) 
		
	
	 Imports for scientific purposes (summary and breakdown)
	 Summary—Total imports for scientific purposes:
	2001—79 scientific specimens of the species Chelonia mydas. All quantities were recorded as number of pieces. No net. Mass (Kg.) details are available.
	2002—22 scientific specimens of the species Chelonia mydas. All quantities were recorded as number of pieces. No net. Mass (Kg.) details are available.
	2003—856 scientific samples as follows:
	Chelonia mydas: 412 scientific samples;
	Eretmochelys imbricata: 244 scientific samples;
	Caretta caretta: 100 scientific samples;
	Lepidochelys olivacea: 100 scientific samples.
	All quantities were recorded as number of pieces. No net. Mass (Kg.) details are available.
	2004—2,300 scientific samples as follows:
	Chelonia mydas: 1,350 scientific samples;
	Eretmochelys imbricata: 900 scientific samples;
	Caretta caretta: 50 scientific samples.
	Only the number of items have been added. Net. Mass (Kg.) details are only available for four shipments.
	2005—1,500 scientific samples, 1 Kg in total:
	Chelonia mydas: 500 tissue samples (0.500 Kg);
	Eretmochelys imbricata: 1,000 tissue samples (0.500 Kg).
	2006—1 scientific sample of the species Eretmochelys imbricate.
	 Breakdown—Imports for scientific purposes:
	
		
			   Species  Origin (all wild)  Quantity and further information 
			 2001 Chelonia mydas Comoros 19 skin biopsis 
			 2001 Chelonia mydas Guinea Bissau 60 skin biopsis 
			 2002 Chelonia mydas Uruguay 20 skin samples 
			 2002 Chelonia mydas Israel 2 skin samples 
			 2003 Chelonia mydas Guernsey 2 skin biopsis 
			 2003 Chelonia mydas Turks and Caicos 10 skin biopsis 
			 2003 Eretmoch elys imbricata Turks and Caicos 44 skin biopsis 
			 2003 Chelonia mydas British Virgin Islands 100 skin pieces 
			 2003 Caretta caretta British Virgin islands 100 
			 2003 Eretmoch elys imbricata British Virgin Islands 100 
			 2003 Chelonia mydas Equatorial Guinea 200 skin pieces 
			 2003 Lepidoch elys olivacea Equatorial Guinea 50 skin pieces 
			 2003 Eretmoch elys imbricata Equatorial Guinea 50 skin pieces 
			 2003 Chelonia mydas Gabon 100 skin pieces 
			 2003 Lepidoch elys olivacea Gabon 50 skin pieces 
			 2003 Eretmoch elys imbricata Gabon 50 skin pieces 
			 2004 Eretmoch elys imbricata St. Helena 50 tissue samples 
			 2004 Chelonia mydas St. Helena 500 tissue samples 
			 2004 Eretmoch elys imbricata Montserrat 50 tissue samples 
			 2004 Chelonia mydas Montserrat 50 tissue samples 
			 2004 Caretta caretta Montserrat 50 tissue samples 
			 2004 Chelonia mydas Anguilla 200 tissue samples (1 kg) 
			 2004 Eretmoch elys imbricata Anguilla 200 tissue samples (1 kg) 
			 2004 Chelonia mydas British Virgin Islands 600 blood and tissue samples (0.600 kg) 
			 2004 Eretmoch elys imbricata British Indian Ocean 600 tissue samples (0.600 kg) 
			 2005 Chelonia mydas British Virgin Islands 500 tissue samples (0.500 kg) 
			 2005 Eretmoch elys imbricata British Indian Ocean 1,000 blood and tissue samples (0.500 kg) 
			 2006 Eretmoch elys imbricata British Indian Ocean 225ml

Single Farm Payments

Bernard Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what provision the Government have made to reimburse farmers for the interest incurred due to delays in paying the single farm payment; and if he will make a statement.

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if his Department will repay the interest charges on loans taken out by those farmers who have not received single farm payments.

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether interest will be paid on any element of single farm payments unpaid after 20 June 2006.

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether interest will be paid on late payments of single farm payments to farmers across England.

Barry Gardiner: The question of interest only arises in respect of payments made after the legal deadline of 30 June. We have not reached that point yet and I do not want to deflect from the Rural Payments Agency in the interim period from concentrating on its main priority, which is to ensure that outstanding payments are made as soon as possible.

Single Farm Payments

Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many single farm payments have been made of  (a) less than £1,  (b) between £1 and £1.99,  (c) between £2 and £4.99,  (d) between £5 and £9.99,  (e) between £10 and £19.99,  (f) between £20 and £49.99,  (g) between £50 and £99.99,  (h) between £100 and £199,  (i) between £200 and £499,  (j) between £500 and £999,  (k) between £1,000 and £1,999,  (l) between £2,000 and £4,999,  (m) between £5,000 and £9,999,  (n) between £10,000 and £19,999,  (o) between £20,000 and £49,000,  (p) between £50,000 and £99,999,  (q) between £100,000 and £199,999,  (r) between £200,000 and £499,999,  (s) between £500,000 and £999,999,  (t) between £1 million and £1,999,999 and  (u) between £2 and £5 million; what percentage of total payments each category represents; and if he will make a statement.

Barry Gardiner: The Rural Payments Agency intends to follow a cycle of publishing single payment scheme payment details in the autumn and payment details of other subsidies in the spring each year.

Single Farm Payments

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department is taking to help farmers in hardship because of the late payment of single farm payments.

Barry Gardiner: holding answer 27 April 2006
	To date, over £1.3 billion has been paid out under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme (SPS), representing some 88 per cent. of the total sum to disburse. SPS claimants will be best served by the Rural Payments Agency maintaining its focus on ensuring that outstanding sums are paid as soon as possible. In addition, in view of the cash-flow problems faced by some farmers, the Department has substantially increased the amount of funding available to key rural support organisations who help farmers deal with hardship issues.

Single Farm Payments

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research her Department has undertaken into levels of personal debt incurred by farmers due to the late payment of single farm payments.

Barry Gardiner: holding answer 27 April 2006
	No specific research has been conducted. However, Ministers keep in close contact with a range of stakeholders, including representatives of the major banks, in order to help ensure that a full picture is maintained of the issues facing farmers in relation to the timing of payments under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme.

Single Farm Payments

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the Government will extend the deadline for making 2005 single farm payments from 15 May to 9 June to avoid paying penalties of 1 per cent. per working day.

Barry Gardiner: The 15 May 2006 deadline for submitting applications under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme is fixed in EU legislation and is not a matter for national discretion.
	However, as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State explained in his written statement on 9 May 2006,  Official Report, column 10WS, farmers have been advised that the normal 'late claim' penalties will not apply to applications received between 16 and 31 May 2006.

Small Change Big Difference

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department and its agencies have taken following the launch of the Government's Small Change Big Difference Campaign.

Barry Gardiner: A number of Defra activities fit well with this important campaign.
	Considerable work is being done by Defra to promote healthy living and a better understanding of the natural world through increased access to the English countryside and urban green spaces. This is for people of all ages and backgrounds. Defra has recently launched a public consultation exercise, in collaboration with the Countryside Agency, called "Access for All?". This seeks views on a draft action plan that aims, over a 10 year period, to increase the number of people who choose to make use of outdoor recreational facilities. In particular, the plan is aimed at the nine million disabled people and the five million people from ethnic minority communities in the UK, often living in areas of high urban density, who do not currently access proportionate benefit from England's green areas.
	Following the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CROW) 2000, since 31 October 2005, about 750,000 hectares of English land have been made available to the public. This "right to roam" means that walkers can freely explore such land without having to stay on footpaths.
	As the programme of work develops the Department of Health (DoH) will be working across all of government to ensure the programme joins up to promote maximum impact. DoH is leading the implementation for this initiative as part of its cross-government commitment to deliver the November 2004 White Paper "Choosing Health: Making healthy choices easier".
	Our Food Industry Sustainability Strategy (FISS), published in April 2006, shows how we are following up the March 2005 paper "Choosing a Better Diet: a Food and Health Action Plan" that arose from the White Paper. This follow-up action will include Defra membership of a new Government working group to establish and develop nutritional standards for food procured by the NHS, armed forces and HM prisons. Defra will act as the group's link to the Public Sector Food Procurement Initiative, which is working with buyers to ensure that as much as possible of the £1.8 billion spent per annum on food supply and catering services for the public sector is sustainably produced.

Sovereign Strategy

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on what dates over the last 12 months  (a) he and  (b) (i) Ministers and (ii) officials in his Department met a representative of Sovereign Strategy.

Barry Gardiner: There have been no meetings between any Defra Ministers or officials with any persons in their role as representatives of Sovereign strategy in the last 12 months.
	All such contacts are conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Ministerial Code, Civil Service Code, Code of Conduct for Special Advisers and Guidance for civil servants on contacts with lobbyists and people outside Government.

Sustainable Farming

Geoffrey Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what funding her Department has provided for research into sustainable farming in each of the last 10 years; how much of that funding was spent on contracts with the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research (IGER); and if she will make a statement on the future of the IGER.

Barry Gardiner: Figures are provided from 2001-02 (the year when Defra was formed), since it was from this time that sustainable farming became the main objective for R and D programmes in the agriculture area. The figures are:
	
		
			  £ million 
			   Defra R and D funding into sustainable farming  Sustainable farming R and D funding with IGER( 1) 
			 2001-02 41.2 5.8 
			 2002-03 39.5 6.1 
			 2003-04 39.2 6.4 
			 2004-05 37.5 6.4 
			 2005-06 37.7 5.8 
			 (1) Figures exclude Defra contributions to consortia projects of which IGER is a partner. 
		
	
	Defra procures research to support Government policies relevant to sustainable farming at a range of research establishments including IGER. As IGER is a Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) research institute, its future is a matter for the BBSRC and the institute.
	However, as a customer for the services provided by IGER, Defra has an interest in the maintenance of areas of expertise and service provision that relate to our present and developing needs. IGER is, and will continue to be, a very important research partner for Defra, as reflected in my Department's continuing significant investment; we are committed to investing over £5 million in research programmes at IGER in 2006-07. The reduction in IGER's contractual income from Defra is a consequence of certain projects and programmes reaching their natural end point. No active research programmes are being terminated early.

Television Stand-by Switches

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to his Answer of 19 April 2006,  Official Report, column 729W, on television stand-by switches, what estimate he has made of the percentage of televisions in use which consume three to eight watts in stand-by mode.

Ian Pearson: The Government's Market Transformation Programme (MTP) estimates that of the 60 million televisions in UK homes around half use more than 3 watts in stand-by mode. The MTP considers that this percentage will fall as older televisions are replaced with newer models which use on average less than 3 watts in stand-by mode.

Thames Water

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what the maximum capacity was of Thames Water storage facilities in each of the last five years for which figures are available;
	(2)  what the level of water available in Thames Water storage facilities was on 1 April in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Ian Pearson: Annual figures for both the maximum useable volume possible and actual useable volume for water in the Thames Water area for the period April 2001 to April 2006, in mega litres (Ml) are given in the following table which also includes a column depicting the percentage of maximum available water being used.
	Useable volume is always less than actual useable volume because of issues such as water quality, location of pumps, etc.
	
		
			  1 April:  Maximum usable volume possible (Ml)  Actual useable volume (Ml)  Percentage of total volume being used 
			 2006 216197 213017 98.5 
			 2005 216173 207476 95.9 
			 2004 214651 210219 97.9 
			 2003 206045 203703 98.8 
			 2002 216162 197400 91.3 
			 2001 216162 204347 94.5

Waste Management

David Lepper: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  how his Department promotes reusable products as part of its policies on waste prevention and sustainability; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what assessment his Department has made of the comparative impact of reusable and single-use products on the waste stream;
	(3)  what programmes  (a) run by and  (b) supported by his Department promote reusable products.

Ben Bradshaw: Reuse has an important role in sustainable waste management. It is second only to waste minimisation in the waste hierarchy.
	In reviewing the Government's Waste Strategy, we are looking to put greater emphasis on waste prevention and resource efficiency, including re-use. This includes work to improve the evidence base and taking a. life cycle approach to identifying priority products so that we target our intervention at the most significant areas. Our existing consultation exercise seeks views on how re-use and re-manufacture could be further stimulated.
	Some parts of the waste stream already have well-developed re-use networks, including textiles, second-hand vehicles, electrical and, to a lesser extent, electronic goods. In other areas the voluntary and community sector plays a valuable role through the work of charity shops, furniture and appliance re-use projects, the Community Re-Paint initiative, Fareshare's food programme and scrapstores using spare materials for educational purposes.
	The Government's Business Resource Efficiency Programme (BREW) programme will be supporting a number of reuse activities through the Business Reuse Fund in 2006-07. In addition, the Packaging, End of Life Vehicles, and Waste Electrical and Equipment Directives all serve to encourage more re-use.
	The Defra-funded Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) also supports a variety of reuse projects, including the Choose To Reuse shopping bag campaign and the use of real nappies. Further information is available on the WRAP website:
	www.wrap.org.uk

Waste Management

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of the amount of waste created by the  (a) public and  (b) private sectors in each of the last five years; what steps he is taking to reduce these amounts; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: Various surveys are carried out on the amounts of controlled and non-controlled waste generated. Detailed figures and statistics on waste and recycling in England and Wales are available from the Defra website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/statistics/waste/index.htm.
	Good progress has been made on the minimisation and recycling of waste since the publication of the "Waste Strategy for England and Wales 2000", which sets out Government's strategy for sustainable waste management.
	Lesser amounts of most kinds of waste are being landfilled, and recycling and composting of household waste has doubled in the last four years. The latest figures show that local authorities in England recycled 22.9 per cent. of household waste in 2004-05 compared to 10.3 per cent. in 2001-02. More packaging waste is being recovered and recycled, rising from 33 per cent. to 56 per cent. between 1998 and 2004. The re-use and recycling of industrial and commercial waste has also increased, together with construction and demolition waste.
	However, we still have much more to do. In 2000, our waste strategy set targets to recycle or compost at least 30 per cent. of household waste by 2010 and 33 per cent. by 2015. The Government have provided local authorities with greater levels of funding to enable them to meet their targets, and the majority of local authorities are working hard to improve their performance. Defra is proposing more targeted intervention and engagement with the poorest performers, and those local authorities with the lowest recycling rates in England have had their targets for 2007-08 raised from 18 per cent. to 20 per cent.
	A number of programmes including the Waste Minimisation and Recycling Fund and its successor the Waste Performance and Efficiency Grant, the Business Resource Efficiency and Waste (BREW) Programme, and the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) have been set up to support and increase waste recycling and provide efficient markets for recycled materials.
	A review of the Government's waste strategy is currently underway. The new strategy will support the use of waste as a resource. It will also focus on waste prevention and resource efficiency, the development of a recycling culture, and a more joined up approach across waste streams—particularly for business and local authority waste.

Water

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what definition the Government uses of water poor.

Ian Pearson: The issue of water affordability is one which the Government takes very seriously, but there is no Government definition of 'water poor'. The percentage of households spending more than 3 per cent. of their income on water charges is used as an indicator of water affordability among DEFRA's sustainability indicators.
	The Government are currently working with industry and regulators to follow up the recommendations of the cross-Government Review of Water Affordability in December 2004.

Water

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what effect the declaration of a drought situation has on the economic levels of leakage method of calculating acceptable levels of leakage by water companies.

Ian Pearson: The declaration of a drought situation will not change a water company's published long-term Economic Level of Leakage (ELL), but it should have an impact on leakage activity in the short-term.
	In a drought situation, companies should apply the maximum available effort to reducing demand and increasing supply. This will have the effect of producing a new short-term ELL based on setting the costs of additional leakage reduction options against the economic valuation of other available short-term options such as increasing abstraction and hosepipe bans. As the cheaper longer term options are excluded from this calculation, the short-term ELL in a drought is lower than the published ELL.

TRANSPORT

A21 Dualling

Greg Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to announce his decision on the scheme to dual the A21 between Tonbridge and Pembury and between Kippings Cross and Lamberhurst recommended by the South East England Regional Assembly in January.

Stephen Ladyman: We are currently considering advice from the South East region on the priority it attaches to these schemes within the indicative regional funding allocations announced in July 2005. We hope to announce our response before the summer recess.

A27 (Folkington Link)

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his plans for the A27 between Beddingham and Polegate, with particular reference to the Folkington link.

Stephen Ladyman: The Highways Agency has completed its initial review of improvement schemes to the A27 at Selmeston and Wilmington. The Folkington link is a sub-section of any improvement at Wilmington. We are currently considering the advice from the regions on transport investment priorities and have yet to make decisions on the extent and future timing of schemes.

Galileo System

Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the most recent estimate is of the  (a) initial development and  (b) yearly ongoing costs of the EU's Galileo system.

Stephen Ladyman: The definition and development phase of Galileo is a joint European Commission and European Space Agency project. The cost is expected to be around £1.25 billion. The deployment phase will be a PPP, funded one third by the public sector and two thirds privately.
	The draft EC financial instrument for funding Galileo during 2007 to 2013 has yet to be ratified. It is expected to be brought to the Council and the European Parliament around the end of this year. There has been no political discussion of potential funding commitments for the public sector beyond 2013.
	The European Commission is taking the position that the overall cost and future commitments for the public sector will not be known, until the detailed contract negotiation are concluded with the consortium bidding for the PPP. My officials, in collaboration with Treasury and other interested departments, continue to press for more transparency on cost. It is agreed that an assessment will be submitted to Council before the PPP contract is signed. We have proposed robust criteria for this assessment and will continue to press them.

Highways Agency Vehicles

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport in what circumstances and upon whose authority Highways Agency vehicles use observation parking bays marked 'for police vehicles only' on motorways.

Stephen Ladyman: The Police are able to stop on any part of a motorway, including the observation platforms, by virtue of Regulation 16 of The Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982. Regulation 16 allows a Police officer to stop where they do so in the exercise of their duty.
	These Regulations were amended by The Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 to give Highways Agency Traffic Officers the same ability to stop in the exercise of their duty as the Police.
	The use of these observation platforms by Highways Agency Traffic Officers provides a visible reassurance that an official vehicle is available to assist and support road users, if needed, and allows Traffic Officers to park on the motorway, minimising fuel usage, while still maintaining an appropriate response capability in the event of an incident.

MOT Certificates

Oliver Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many MOT test certificates have been delayed due to computer malfunctions in the last 12 months.

Stephen Ladyman: During the period April 2005 to date, the 18,300 MOT garages in Great Britain have issued some 15.4 million MOT certificates via the new computer system.
	Because the booking of MOT tests is the responsibility of individual garages and is managed outside of the MOT computer system, it is not possible for VOSA to ascertain if any MOT tests were delayed because of computer malfunctions.
	In order to ensure that road safety is not compromised, VOSA has however made contingency procedures available to garages in the event of either hardware failure at an individual site or a more widespread disruption to the MOT service. These arrangements ensure that there should be little or no impact on motorists both in terms of having their vehicles tested and receiving their MOT certificates.

MOT Certificates

Oliver Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for how many days the IT system for MOT tests was not working in the last 12 months.

Stephen Ladyman: The IT system for MOT tests was rolled out to garages between 18 April 2005 and 29 March 2006. During this period of 378 operational days there has not been an entire day when the system has been unavailable to all garages on-line. There have been 28 days when a technical problem affecting 10 or more garages occurred.
	For 20 of these 28 days, at least 95 per cent. of garages on-line experienced no disruption to MOT testing.

Motoring Offences

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people were penalised for speeding in  (a) the London borough of Bexley and  (b) London in 2004-05.

Vernon Coaker: I have been asked to reply.
	Data on speeding offences are not collected centrally by local authority area.
	Available information on the number of speeding offences dealt with by official police action within the Metropolitan and City of London police force areas combined for 2004 (latest available) is given in the following table.
	2005 data will be available early in 2007.
	
		
			  Speeding offences( 1) dealt with by official police action( 2) , London( 3) , 2004 
			   Total offences dealt with( 2)  (number) 
			 2004 120,700 
			 (1) Offences under the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984 ss. 16, 81, 84, 86, 88 and 89; Motor Vehicles (speed Limits on Motorways) Regs. 1973; Parks Regulation (Amendment) Act 1926—byelaws made thereunder. (2) Includes written warnings, fixed penalty notices and court proceedings. (3) Metropolitan and City of London police combined.

Resilience Exercises

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what  (a) assessment he has made of and  (b) lessons have been learned from (i) Exercise Atlantic Blue in January 2006 and (ii) Exercise Northern Synergy.

Derek Twigg: Exercise Atlantic Blue and Exercise Northern Synergy were both classified Government exercises. It is therefore not in the national interest to comment on these exercises.
	Lessons learned from these exercises have been fed into classified contingency plans for responding to a wide range of terrorist threats. These plans are regularly tested, reviewed and updated in the light of changing circumstances; this ensures that all agencies involved are prepared to respond to a terrorist incident.
	The hon. Member may wish to refer to the generic guidance contained in the publication "Dealing with Disaster", which can be found on the UK Resilience website:
	www.ukresilience.info

Road Accident Fatalities

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  how many road accident fatalities there were in Paisley and Renfrewshire, South constituency in 2005-06;
	(2)  how many road accident fatalities there were in Hammersmith and Fulham constituency in 2005-06.

Stephen Ladyman: The information requested is not yet available. Main results on personal injury road accidents reported to the police in 2005 will be published shortly. Figures for 2006 will become available in summer 2007.

Road Accident Fatalities

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many road accident fatalities there were in Shrewsbury and Atcham constituency in 2005-06.

Stephen Ladyman: The information requested is not yet available. Main results on personal injury road accidents reported to the police in 2005 will be published shortly. Figures for 2006 will become available in summer 2007.

Road Pricing

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the average cost per mile that would need to be charged following the introduction of his proposed national road pricing scheme in order to ensure that the scheme is revenue neutral and all administration and technology costs are covered.

Stephen Ladyman: The appropriate level of charges for any national road pricing scheme would depend on a wide range of factors. It is not currently possible to estimate what price levels would be appropriate. The costs of any national scheme would depend on technology and systems used and the manner of implementation.

Road Traffic (Cumbria)

Eric Martlew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the total mileage travelled on the roads in Cumbria by  (a) all vehicles and  (b) cars in each year between 1995 and 2004.

Stephen Ladyman: The following table gives the information requested:
	
		
			  Estimated distance travelled in Cumbria: 1995-2004 
			  Million vehicle miles 
			   All motor vehicles  Cars 
			 1995 2,990 2,324 
			 1996 3,074 2,377 
			 1997 3,179 2,452 
			 1998 3,225 2,461 
			 1999 3,241 2,470 
			 2000 3,261 2,501 
			 2001 3,258 2,487 
			 2002 3,358 2,578 
			 2003 3,390 2,614 
			 2004 3,471 2,651 
			  Source: National Road Traffic Survey

Travel Statistics (Lancashire)

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the total mileage travelled on roads in Lancashire by  (a) all vehicles and  (b) cars in each of the past 10 years.

Stephen Ladyman: The following table gives the information requested for each year from 1995 to 2004 (the latest year for which estimates are available):
	
		
			  Estimated distance travelled in Lancashire: 1995-2004 
			  Million vehicle miles 
			   All motor vehicles  Cars 
			 1995 6,674 5,526 
			 1996 6,828 5,643 
			 1997 6,946 5,719 
			 1998 7,094 5,826 
			 1999 7,257 5,957 
			 2000 7,180 5,893 
			 2001 7,278 5,990 
			 2002 7,502 6,186 
			 2003 7,501 6,127 
			 2004 7,762 6,330

Trunk Roads

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much was spent on trunk roads in Paisley and Renfrewshire, South constituency in 2005-06.

Stephen Ladyman: This is a matter for the Scottish Executive and the hon. Member may wish to write to them.

Trunk Roads

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much was spent on trunk roads in Hammersmith and Fulham constituency in 2005-06.

Stephen Ladyman: The Greater London Authority Act 1999 made provision for the transfer of the trunk road network in London from the Secretary of State for Transport to the Mayor. These roads now form part of the Transport for London Road Network (TLRN). Further information on the TLRN in the Hammersmith and Fulham area can be obtained from:
	Mr. David Brown
	Managing Director of Surface Transport
	Transport for London
	Windsor House
	42-50 Victoria Street
	London SW1H 0TL

Vehicle Tax Discs

Stephen Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many applications for vehicle tax discs the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has received through the online service since its introduction; and how many of those applications resulted in tax discs being delivered within the target of five working days.

Stephen Ladyman: Since the online service was introduced DVLA has received a total of 2,438,361 transactions of which 2,019,952 were successfully completed. A total of 418,409 transactions failed to process as a result of insurance failures and customers not having the correct MOT certificate. There is no mechanism in place with Royal Mail to monitor the time it takes to deliver individual tax discs to applicants addresses. All tax discs are despatched to Royal Mail by first class mail within one day of the application successfully processing. Royal Mail's first class mail delivery target is 91.5 per cent. within two days of posting.

TREASURY

Capital Gains Tax

Vincent Cable: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the revenue implications of abolishing capital gains tax taper relief and reducing the annual exempt amount for individuals and trustees to £1,000 in each year from 2004-05 to 2009-10; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: The total estimated yields on an accruals basis from abolishing taper relief and abolishing capital gains tax annual exempt amount (AEA) for individuals and trusts in 2004-05 and 2005-06 are published in table A3.1 in the Budget Report 2006. These figures exclude any behavioural response to the tax change. Similar information for years from 2006-07 onwards is not available.
	Figures for 2004-05 and 2005-06 regarding revenue implications of reducing the annual exempt amount for individuals and trustees to £1,000 are available only at a disproportionate cost. For current figures for 2006-07 I refer the hon. Member to my answer given to him on 18 May 2006,  Official Report, column 1132W. Similar information for years from 2007-08 to 2009-10 is not available.

Census

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consideration has been given to including a question on scheduled caste in the next census.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 June 2006:
	As National Statistician and Registrar General for England and Wales, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking what consideration has been given to including a question on scheduled caste in the next census. (73901)
	An extensive consultation exercise was undertaken last year with users of census data which resulted in over 2,000 responses. No requirement for a question on scheduled caste was identified and so such a question is not being considered for the 2011 Census. A report on the findings of the consultation exercise was published on 8 March 2006—'The 2011 Census: Assessment of initial user requirements on content for England and Wales' and can be found on the National Statistics website at http://www.statistics.gov.uk/about/consultations/2011Census_response.asp
	It is not possible to confirm what questions are to be included in the 2011 Census until the consultation and testing programme is complete and formal approval is given by Parliament in 2010. A White Paper setting out the Government's proposals is scheduled to be published in Autumn 2008.

Child Poverty

Paul Goodman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the likely change in spending on  (a) child care,  (b) child benefit and  (c) child tax credit required to meet the child poverty reduction target for 2010; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: Between the mid-1970s and mid-1990s, relative child poverty more than doubled. This Government have committed to halve child poverty by 2010 and to eradicate it by 2020. In 2004-05 there were 700,000 fewer children in relative poverty than in 1998-99.
	The Child Poverty Review, published in July 2004, set out a multi-faceted strategy for halving child poverty. Child care, child benefit and child tax credit all have important roles but must be combined with wider interventions such as work for those who can, tackling material deprivation and improving public services for poor children.
	As a solid foundation for meeting the target to halve child poverty by 2010, at Budget 2006 it was announced that the child element of the child tax credit would continue to be uprated at least in line with earnings until the end of this Parliament. Any current projection of the number of children in poverty in 2010 would, however, be subject to large uncertainties around future income growth, changes in the income distribution and individual changes in behaviour in response to policy changes.

Civil Servants

Peter Viggers: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many civil servants were employed in his Department before the Gershon Report; what net reductions were proposed in the Gershon Report; how many reductions have been made; and how many civil servants are expected to be employed in his Department in the Gershon target month of April 2008.

John Healey: The information requested is given in HM Treasury's Departmental Report which was published on 11 May 2006 and is available at: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/about/departmental_reports/dept_report2006.cfm.
	Table 6 in Annex B sets out Treasury Group Staff Numbers between 2001 and 2008, and Annex C sets out plans and progress on Treasury Group's efficiency programme (including headcount reductions).

Correspondence

Michael Spicer: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for West Worcestershire of 31 March.

Dawn Primarolo: I have done so.

Correspondence

Michael Spicer: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for West Worcestershire of 8 March, PO reference: 1/43139/2006.

John Healey: I have done so.

Data Protection Act

James Gray: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many responses to requests to his Department for information under the Data Protection Act 1998 were completed  (a) within 40 days,  (b) between 40 and 59 days,  (c) between 60 and 100 days and  (d) over 100 days after receiving the original letter in each of the last five years; and how many are outstanding.

John Healey: For 2005:  (a) 8;  (b) nil;  (c) nil;  (d) nil. There are nil responses outstanding.

Data Protection Act

James Gray: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what procedure his Department uses to respond to requests for information under the Data Protection Act 1998; and what steps the Department takes to ensure that responses to such requests are completed within 40 days.

John Healey: The Treasury provides internal guidance to all its staff on both the principles of the Data Protection Act and how to process subject access requests. Requests are routed through a central team to ensure that responses are dealt with within the time permitted.

Data Protection Act

James Gray: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how and by whom redactions are made to documents to be disclosed following a request under the Data Protection Act 1998; and whether a record is kept of  (a) who made each redaction and  (b) why it was made.

John Healey: Redactions are made by the central unit with responsibility for Information Rights, most commonly redactions protect personal data belonging to another individual, or information that is not relevant.

Data Protection Act

James Gray: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his Department has a policy of setting a minimum font size at which it prints electronic documents to be disclosed under the Data Protection Act 1998 to assist those with reduced eyesight.

John Healey: Treasury has a long standing policy to provide enlarged print size on request to assist those with reduced eyesight. Documents that may be within scope of subject access requests are internal by nature, may not be in electronic format and can be very varied as such there is no standard font size applicable to such documents.

Data Protection Act

James Gray: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the longest period of time elapsed is between his Department  (a) receiving the administration fee and providing the information requested and  (b) receiving a request for information and providing the information requested under the Data Protection Act 1998.

John Healey: Elapsed time for processing subject access requests under the Data Protection Act is:
	 (a) no request has taken longer than 40 days to process from receipt of the administration fee.
	 (b) No request has taken longer than 40 days to process.

Departmental Press Office

Keith Vaz: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many  (a) black and Asian and  (b) other people are employed in his Department's press office.

John Healey: Three and 14, respectively.

Devolved Countries (Protocols)

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what protocols are in place between HM Treasury and the Scottish Executive on the operations of the devolved countries and regions Treasury team.

Stephen Timms: The concordat between the Treasury and the Scottish Executive is available on the Treasury website at http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk./media/7CB/25/scottish_assembly_concordat_070305.pdf and on the Scottish Executive website at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/concordats/hmt.asp.
	Financial relations between the Treasury and the Scottish Executive are governed by the Treasury publication "Funding the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly for Wales and Northern Ireland Assembly, A Statement of Funding Policy" which is available on the Treasury website (www.hm-treasury.gov.uk).

Discounted Oil

Greg Hands: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the potential economic impact on  (a) London and  (b) England of the supply to London of oil at discounted prices by Venezuela.

John Healey: If Venezuela wishes to supply oil or oil products at discounted rates to the UK that is a commercial decision for Venezuela. We are not presently aware of any firm commitment by the Government of Venezuela to do so. In the absence of this and any specific details I am unable to speculate on the potential implications for the UK economy.

Eid-Ul-Adha

David Simpson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many civil servants from his Department attended the Civil Service Islamic Society Eid-Ul-Adha event in London in 2005; and what the total cost of their attendance was to his Department.

John Healey: I understand that the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has written to the hon. Member with details of the Civil Service Islamic Society id-Ul-Adha event and that a copy of her letter has been placed in the Library.

Election Expenses

Philip Dunne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether benefits enjoyed by the spouse of a candidate in an election which have been declared as election expenses, have been paid for by a third party and were provided to the spouse by virtue of his/her relationship to the candidate in connection with their activities as a candidate are taxed as a benefit in kind.

Dawn Primarolo: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave him on 17 May 2006,  Official Report, column 1079W.

Energy Efficiency

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to launch a further consultation exercise on economic measures to encourage residential sector energy efficiency.

John Healey: The Government consider consultation exercises an important part of policy development. A number of recent reviews have looked at how to encourage residential sector energy efficiency, most recently the review of the Climate Change Programme, published in March this year, which was the subject of extensive consultation. Residential energy efficiency was also covered by the Energy Review consultation which closed on 14 April 2006. The Government keep economic measures under review and any further announcements will be made as part of the Budget process.

EU Budget

Greg Knight: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the United Kingdom contribution to the European Union budget for the period 2005 to 2008; what changes have occurred in this estimate since the Budget in March; what the reason is for these changes; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Balls: The Government's latest estimates of United Kingdom contributions to the EU budget are presented in table C11 of the Budget (HC 968). Any revision to these forecasts will be included in the pre-Budget report later this year.

Financial Statistics

Jim Cousins: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the gross value added per capita was for  (a) the UK and  (b) each NUTS3 region in each year since 2002.

John Healey: The information requested falls with the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 June 2006:
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about Gross Value Added(1) (GVA) per capita estimates for the UK and NUTS3 regions in each year since 2002. (75256)
	The Office for National Statistics (ONS) published NUTS3 GVA data up to and including 2003, the latest year for which data is available, in December 2005. UK and NUTS3 per capita data can be accessed in table 3.2 in the following link: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme_economy/NUTS3_Tables_l-12.xls.
	(1 )Gross Value Added (GVA) is Gross Domestic Product (GDP) less taxes (plus subsidies) on products. These data are current price estimates which are not adjusted for changes in prices over time.

Firearms Seizures

Jim Cousins: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions firearms were seized by HM Revenue and Customs in each  (a) region and  (b) country of the UK in each year since 2000-01.

Dawn Primarolo: My answer of 20 October 2005,  Official Report, column 1193W, to the hon. Member for Torbay (Mr. Sanders) provided details of firearms seized by HM Revenue and Customs from 1999 onwards.
	This national information for firearms seizures made by HM Revenue and Customs since 2000 is contained in the annual reports for HM Customs and Excise and HM Revenue and Customs. The figures for the year ending 31 March 2006 will be published in the next annual report.
	More detailed information cannot be disclosed as this would provide information of value to those seeking to circumvent HM Revenue and Customs' controls, thereby prejudicing the prevention and detection of crime.

Gross Domestic Product

John Redwood: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what accumulated growth in gross domestic product has been in  (a) Wales,  (b) Scotland,  (c) London and the South East and  (d) the UK since the second quarter of 1997.

John Healey: The information requested falls with the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 June 2006:
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about accumulated growth in gross domestic product in Wales, Scotland, London and the South East, and the UK, since the second quarter of 1997 (74809). (74809)
	The Office for National Statistics (ONS) only compile annual estimates of regional Gross Value Added(1) (GVA) covering the countries and regions of the UK. These data are at current basic prices, and so the changes over time shown by these data include the effects of inflation as well as any increases in economic output.
	Estimates of annual growth in these regions for the years 1997 to 2004, based on data published by the ONS in December 2005, are shown in table A below.
	
		
			  Table A - Growth in headline( 2)  GVA at current basic prices by region, 1997 and 2004( 3) 
			  Region( 4)  Growth in GVA 1997 to 2004 (Percentage) 
			 Wales 38.0 
			 Scotland 35.1 
			 London and the South East 48.2 
			 UK 43.5 
			 (1 )Information presented here is gross value added (GVA) which is gross domestic product (GDP) less taxes (plus subsidies) on products. (2 )The headline regional GVA series for this publication have been calculated using a five-period moving average. (3 )2004 data is provisional. (4 )Wales and Scotland are NUTS (Nomenclature of Units for Territorial Statistics) regions, but the ONS does not recognise the combined region of London and the South East as a standard geography.

HM Revenue and Customs

Greg Hands: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the projections of staffing levels in HM Revenue and Customs are for the next three years.

Dawn Primarolo: Current projected levels of full time equivalent staff in post in HM Revenue and Customs are:
	
		
			   Number 
			 1 April 2007 90,034 
			 1 April 2008 86,035 
		
	
	No detailed projection has yet been made of staff levels at 1 April 2009.

HM Revenue and Customs

Greg Hands: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of staff reductions in HM Revenue and Customs on tax enforcement.

Dawn Primarolo: HMRC are satisfied that significant improvements in productivity from improvements in risk processes, re-designing audit and inspection processes, reforming HMRC's range of interventions, and developing better electronic tools for communicating with taxpayers will not only mitigate the impact of the staff reduction in tax enforcement but also result in an overall improvement in performance.

HM Revenue and Customs

Greg Hands: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people were employed full-time by HM Revenue and Customs in each year since 1997.

Dawn Primarolo: HM Revenue and Customs became a legal entity on 18 April 2005. Before then its business had been conducted by the Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise.
	The numbers of staff employed in civil service departments and agencies, including the Inland Revenue, HM Customs and Excise and HM Revenue and Customs are available on the Cabinet Office's "Civil Service Statistics" website at http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/management/statistics/index.asp. The effects of changes in departmental responsibilities on staff numbers are also available on the website.

Illegal Immigrants

John Hayes: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many illegal immigrants have been discovered to be employed by his Department in each year since 2001; in what capacities they were employed; how many were discovered as part of a criminal investigation; and what the nature of the charges brought against them were.

John Healey: No illegal immigrants have been discovered to be employed by HM Treasury since 2001.

Inheritance Tax

Philip Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost of abolishing inheritance tax; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave on 18 April 2006,  Official Report, column 551W to the hon. Member for Harwich (Mr. Carswell).

Junior Doctors

Iris Robinson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will re-designate essential expenses of junior doctors as tax-deductible.

Dawn Primarolo: Employed junior doctors are subject to the same rules as any other employee and there are no plans to introduce special rules.

Landfill Taxes

Paul Goodman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimates he has made of the impact of landfill taxes on the amount of waste going to landfill in each area of the UK.

John Healey: The increases in the standard rate of landfill tax are contributing to a move away from over reliance on landfill in the UK. Provisional figures show that over the period 1997-98 to 2005-06 the total amount of waste landfilled in the UK at sites registered for landfill tax fell by 25 per cent. while the amount of active waste landfilled fell by 14 per cent.
	Regional assessments of the impact of landfill tax are not available.

Large Print Documents

Joan Walley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made towards making all HM Revenue and Customs literature available in large print format.

Dawn Primarolo: HM Revenue and Customs' (HMRC) Visually Impaired Media Unit (VIMU) will produce on request any piece of HMRC literature in alternative formats for the visually impaired. This includes large print, Braille and audio versions, and the offer of home visits when more suitable.

Missing Trader Intra-community Fraud

Edward Davey: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what  (a) human and  (b) financial resources committed to tackling missing trader intra-community (MTIC) fraud; and what plans he has to allocate more (i) existing and (ii) new staff to investigate MTIC fraud;
	(2)  whether he has developed a specific strategy for tackling missing trader intra-community fraud.

Dawn Primarolo: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 17 May 2006,  Official Report, column 1090W.
	HMRC have had a strategy for tackling missing trader intra-community (MTIC) VAT fraud since September 2000. In recent months they have committed significant additional resources to strengthen their strategy, including re-deploying 420 compliance staff and 55 detection staff, and recruiting 48 new criminal investigators. There are now over 1,000 staff engaged in tackling MTIC fraud. HMRC will continue to review their strategy, including the deployment of resources, to ensure that it remains effective. HMRC's financial accounts do not provide financial resource figures for individual strategies.

Missing Trader Intra-community Fraud

Edward Davey: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  how the revenue lost through  (a) VAT and  (b) missing trader intra-community fraud is measured;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of  (a) attempted and  (b) actual missing trader intra-community fraud in each year since 2000; and what the basis for such an estimate is.

Dawn Primarolo: HMRC's latest estimates of attempted MTIC fraud, overall VAT losses, and the methodology for estimating the latter were published in 'Measuring Indirect Tax Losses—2005', which is available from the following website: www.hmrc.gov.uk/pbr2005/mitl2005.pdf.
	The methodology for estimating MTIC fraud was first published in 'Measuring Indirect Tax Fraud—2001'. This was updated in 'Measuring and Tackling Indirect Tax Losses—2004', which can be found on the following website: http://customs.hmrc.gov.uk/channelsPortalWebApp/channelsPortalWebApp. portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pageVAT_Show Content&id=HMCE_PROD_011582&propertyType =document.

Neonatal Mortality Rate

Sally Keeble: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the neonatal mortality rate among  (a) premature babies and  (b) all births was in each of the last five years.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 June 2006:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what the neonatal mortality rate among (a) premature babies and (b) all births was in each of the last five years. (74658)
	Information on the neonatal mortality rate among premature babies is not available as gestation is not collected at registration on live births in England and Wales.
	The neonatal mortality rate among all live births in England and Wales from 2000 to 2004 (the latest year for which figures are available) are shown in the table below.
	
		
			  Neonatal mortality rate( 1) , England and Wales, 2000-2004 
			   Neonatal mortality rate( 1) 
			 2000 3.9 
			 2001 3.6 
			 2002 3.6 
			 2003 3.6 
			 2004 3.5 
			 (1 )Per 1,000 live births

Public Spending

John Redwood: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the ratio of public spending to gross domestic product was in each of the UK regions in 2005-06.

Stephen Timms: Total identifiable public expenditure on services by country and region is set out in table 7.1 of "Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses 2006" (Cm 6811). The latest outturn data available are for 2004-05 with data for spending plans provided for 2005-06.
	Gross value added (GVA), (which is the Government's preferred measure of economic output), for each region is available on the Office for National Statistics website (http://www.statistics.gov.uk/articles/economic_trends/ET627_Marais.pdf). The latest available data are for 2003-04.

Public Spending

John Redwood: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much  (a) public spending was undertaken and  (b) revenue was collected in (i) Wales, (ii) Scotland, (iii) London and the South East and (iv) the UK in 2005-06.

Stephen Timms: Total identifiable public expenditure on services by country and region is set out in table 7.1 of Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses 2006 (Cm. 6811). The latest outturn data available are for 2004-05 with data for spending plans provided for 2005-06.
	Current receipts at the UK level are set out in table C8 of the Budget 2006 report (HC 968). Receipts are not hypothecated to particular regions and comprehensive data on the regional distribution of tax receipts are not readily available.

Public Transport

David Simpson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what incentives are available to encourage members of his staff to use public transport for travelling to and from work.

John Healey: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 25 May 2006,  Official Report, column 1912W. The Treasury is located in Westminster and is well served by public transport. Very few staff travel to work by car and no special incentives exist to encourage car sharing except when public transport is disrupted.
	The Treasury offers all staff interest free loans for the purchase of season tickets and bicycles, and has a designated bicycle parking area within the premises.

Savings Incentives

Natascha Engel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to introduce tax incentives to encourage children under 18 years and born before September 2002 to save.

Edward Balls: The Government introduced the Child Trust Fund in April 2005. To show we understood the issue of older children the Government backdated the eligibility date to all children born on or after 1 September 2002 to align with school years. It is important to recognise that to realise the full benefits of the Child Trust Fund for future generations we must draw a line somewhere.
	There already exists considerable scope for tax-relieved savings for children. All children have their own personal tax allowance and parents are taxed on income generated from contributions to their child's account only when those gifts produce more than £100 gross income per parent per year.
	In addition, the market offers a wide range of savings and investment accounts designed especially for children from a range of financial services providers.

Scottish Executive (Infrastructure Project Funding)

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  if he will take steps to allow long-term borrowing by the Scottish Executive to fund major infrastructure projects;
	(2)  if he will make Barnett Formula bypass funding available to the Scottish Executive to fund major infrastructure projects.

Stephen Timms: There are no plans to give the Scottish Executive borrowing powers to fund infrastructure projects. Scottish local authorities have prudential borrowing powers. The funding arrangements for the Scottish Executive are detailed in the Treasury publication "Funding the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly for Wales and Northern Ireland Assembly, A Statement of Funding Policy" published in July 2004.

Stamp Duty

Joan Walley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many properties sold in England and Wales in 2004 attracted stamp duty at  (a) 0 per cent.,  (b) 1 per cent.,  (c) 3 per cent. and  (d) 4 per cent.

Edward Balls: The following table gives the estimated number of property transactions in England and Wales falling into each stamp duty band in 2004:
	
		
			  Price range  Stamp duty rate (percentage)  Number of property transactions 2004 (thousand) 
			 £0-£60,000 (residential) 0 481 
			 £0-£150,000 (non  residential)   
			 £60,001-£250,000 (residential) 1 1,076 
			 £150,001-£250,000 (non residential)   
			 £250,001-£500,000 3 181 
			 £500,001 and above 4 42 
		
	
	The numbers paying stamp duty will be lower due to the use of various reliefs eg disadvantaged area relief, group relief, registered social landlord relief etc.

Standpipes

Greg Hands: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with business on the economic impact of a stand-pipe regime introduced under a drought order in London and the South East.

John Healey: No such discussions have taken place with Treasury Ministers, so far as I am aware.

Student Loans

Graham Brady: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the amount of interest incurred by people paying student loans which was attributable to delays by the Inland Revenue in transferring payments to the Student Loan Company in the last year for which figures are available.

Dawn Primarolo: Student loan borrowers do not pay any additional interest if there is a delay in their repayment information reaching the Student Loan Company. This is because repayments are credited to borrower's accounts retrospectively in the year that they were actually paid. There is no interest penalty because when the credit is made the account is adjusted to reflect the payment date and interest is adjusted accordingly.

Student Loans

Graham Brady: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what total amount payable to the Student Loans Company on behalf of graduates was retained at the Inland Revenue for  (a) one month,  (b) up to three months,  (c) up to six months,  (d) up to 12 months and  (e) 12 months or more after the end of the tax year in question in each year since student loans were introduced;
	(2)  what period of time elapsed between the end of the tax year and payments being made by the Inland Revenue to the Student Loans Company on behalf of graduates in each year for which figures are available.

Dawn Primarolo: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) does not make payments to the Student Loan Company (SLC). Employers deduct student loan repayments from earnings exceeding £15,000 during the year and send these to HMRC who make payments to the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) every quarter.

Suicide Statistics

Norman Baker: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his answer of 26 April 2006,  Official Report, columns 1177-78W, on suicide statistics, what the circumstances were of each case of death from injury to the ulnar artery; and what contributory factors led to the death in each case.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 5 June 2006:
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking, pursuant of 26th April 2006, Official Report, column 1177-8W, on suicide statistics, what the circumstances were of each case of death from injury to the ulnar artery; and what contributory factors led to the death in each case. (73990)
	ONS does not release details of the circumstances of individual deaths, as this would compromise the National Statistics protocol on data access and confidentiality. However, ONS routinely publishes data by underlying cause and nature of injury. The table supplied in the previous answer were for all injuries occurring to the ulnar artery, of these 3 were suicides, 2 were accidents, and 1 had an underlying cause of injury of undetermined intent.
	 Background Note:
	The table below was supplied in answer to the question '...how many individuals have died as a consequence of their ulnar artery being severed in each year since 1997.'
	
		
			  Number of deaths from injury to the ulnar artery,( 1)  England and Wales, 1997 to 2004( 2) 
			   Number of deaths 
			 1997 0 
			 1998 1 
			 1999 0 
			 2000 0 
			 2001 2 
			 2002 1 
			 2003 1 
			 2004 1 
			 (1) The cause of death was defined using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision(ICD-9) code 903.3 for the years 1997 to 2000, and the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes S55.0 and S65.0 for the years 2001 to 2004. (2) Figures are for deaths occurring in each calendar year.

Tax Credits

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average time taken to answer a call to the tax credit helpline was in each of the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: For April to October 2005 I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 26 January 2006,  Official Report, column 2248W.
	The remaining figures are:
	
		
			  2005-06  Average waiting time (minutes: seconds) 
			 June(1) 1:02 
			 November 0:44 
			 December 0:33 
			 January 0:39 
			 February 0:46 
			 March 0:16 
			 April 0:24 
			 (1) The figure for June 2005 given on 26 January 2006,  Official Report, column 2248W, was only for the period up to 25 June 2005.

Tax Credits

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many telephone calls there were to the tax credit helpline in each month between January and May 2006; how many of these calls  (a) were answered,  (b) were abandoned,  (c) received an engaged tone and  (d) were missed; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: The following table shows the number of tax credit helpline calls that were  (a) answered,  (b) abandoned or  (c) received an engaged tone.
	
		
			  Thousand 
			  2006  Handled( 1)  Abandoned( 2)  Engaged( 3) 
			 January 1,771 54 4 
			 February 1,442 47 2 
			 March 1,539 12 6 
			 April 1,571 21 2 
			 (1) Where the caller spoke to an adviser. (2) Where the caller selected an option from the call steering menu and was put in a queue to speak to an adviser but the call was terminated before the caller spoke to an adviser. (3) Call attempts where the caller was played an engaged tone, before they were placed in a queue to speak to an adviser. 
		
	
	HMRC contact centres do not report the number of "missed" calls and this information is therefore not readily available.

Tax Credits

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the correspondence dated 26 January regarding incorrect tax credit payments to a constituent of the hon. Member for Preseli Pembrokeshire reference SLD 4/23386/2005, what the  (a) system fault affecting the calculation of tax credit awards and  (b) the further system fault affecting HM Revenue and Customs' records of tax credit payments was.

Dawn Primarolo: The information is as follows:
	 (a) The hon. Member refers to a system fault that caused details of working tax credit (WTC), payable by his constituent's employer in 2003-04 and 2004-05, to be duplicated on HM Revenue and Custom's (HMRC) records.
	 (b) The further system fault prevented a 'stop notice' being sent to his constituent's employer and WTC payments continued to be made, after their entitlement had ended.
	HMRC are working hard to put things right in the specific case raised by the hon. Member to ensure their constituent receives their correct entitlement as quickly as possible.

Tax Credits

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many manual payments have been made by the Tax Credit Office in each month since April 2004, broken down by  (a) working tax credit and  (b) child tax credit.

Dawn Primarolo: The information is not available in the format requested.
	For the estimated number of manual payments between April 2004 and October 2005, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 29 November 2005,  Official Report, columns 343-44W. The number of manual payments made in each month since November 2005 was around:
	
		
			   Number of payment (Thousand) 
			  2005  
			 November 35 
			 December 30 
			   
			  2006  
			 January 35 
			 February 35 
			 March 30 
			 April 20 
		
	
	The allocation of payments to precise payment dates requires a degree of estimation and are therefore rounded to the nearest 5,000.
	Details for May 2006 are not yet available.

Tax Credits

Paul Goodman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of tax credits on  (a) housing costs and  (b) basic food costs in areas of high deprivation; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: The Government have not made any assessment of the impact of tax credits on housing or food costs at a local level, and are not aware of any evidence of such an effect.
	However, tax credits have raised the incomes of six million families containing 10 million children, increasing the income available for housing, food and other expenditure.
	As a result of the Government's reforms to the tax and benefit system since 1997, and the introduction of the national minimum wage, by October 2006, in real terms, families with children will be, on average, £1,500 a year better off, while those in the poorest fifth will be, on average, £3,400 per year better off.
	Recent research by Gregg, Waldfogel and Washbrook has shown that low income families have been able to spend significantly more on housing services, and on food, as a result of tax credits and other financial support.

Tax Credits

David Laws: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of the total costs of tax credit  (a) administration and  (b) write offs of overpayments since April 2001; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answers I gave him on 4 July 2005,  Official Report, column 101W, 10 October 2005,  Official Report, column 282W, 18 October 2005,  Official Report, column 949W, 27 October 2005,  Official Report, column 497W, 15 November 2005,  Official Report, column 1214W, 26 January 2006,  Official Report, columns 2249-50W, and 18 April 2006,  Official Report, column 567W, and to the Comptroller and Auditor General's (CAG's) standard report for 2003-04 attached to the Inland Revenue's annual report for 2003-04 and the CAG's standard report that formed part of the Inland Revenue's accounts for 2004-05. Both publications are available in the Library of the House. Around £1.65 million was written off in March 2006 due to official error.

Tax Office (Isle of Wight)

Andrew Turner: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 17 May 2006,  Official Report, column 1086W, on the tax office, Isle of Wight, what the core catchment area is of the Newport Isle of Wight tax office.

Dawn Primarolo: I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 17 May 2006,  Official Report, column 1086W. HMRC's inquiry centre at Newport serves the whole population of the Isle of Wight.

Tax Receipts

Vincent Cable: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the income tax receipts from pension income in the latest year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: The estimated liability to income tax from occupational and personal pensions can be found in table 7.9 "Cost of relief for approved pension schemes" on HM Revenue and Customs website at http://www.hmrc.gov.Uk/stats/pensions/7_9_sep05.xls

VAT Registration Applications

David Gauke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many complaints HM Revenue and Customs received about the time taken to process VAT registration applications between  (a) 1 March and 19 May 2005 and  (b) 1 January and 28 February 2006.

Dawn Primarolo: Between 1 March and 19 May 2005, around 36 complaints were received by HMRC/Customs and Excise about the time taken to process VAT registration applications.
	Between 1 January and 28 February 2006, HMRC received around 101 complaints about the time taken to process VAT registration applications.

VAT Registration Applications

David Gauke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of complete and accurate VAT registration applications have been processed within 21 days of receipt since 1 March.

Dawn Primarolo: For VAT registration applications received during March and April that were complete and accurate at receipt, HMRC estimate that 65 per cent. were fully processed within 21 calendar days.

VAT Registration Applications

David Gauke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 24 May 2006, to Question 73180, on VAT registration applications, how many such complaints were from companies seeking VAT registration to conduct business activities relating to  (a) mobile telephones,  (b) other electrical equipment and  (c) other activities.

Dawn Primarolo: Of the 170 complaints that HM Revenue and Customs received about the time taken to process VAT registrations between 1 March 2006 and 19 May 2006:
	(a) 76 were from mobile phone companies;
	(b) 26 were from companies related to other electrical equipment;
	(c) 68 were from companies related to other activities.

Voluntary Arrangements Service

Charles Hendry: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what guidance HM Revenue and Customs gives to the Voluntary Arrangements Service with regard to rules for the acceptance of Independent Voluntary Arrangements; and what changes have been made to these rules in the last two years.

Dawn Primarolo: The criteria for acceptance of a voluntary arrangement are contained in leaflet CWL5 entitled "The Voluntary Arrangements Service - Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise — Working together for you" first published in 2001.
	The Voluntary Arrangements Service applies these criteria to proposals for all voluntary arrangements and will support a Voluntary Arrangement where:
	There is full and honest disclosure
	A fair and optimum offer is made to creditors
	Provision is made for payment of all future statutory liabilities on time
	There are no overriding reasons for rejection.
	A revised version of the leaflet is being produced to reflect the creation of Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs which will be issued to Insolvency Practitioners in the summer. The acceptance criteria remain the same but a requirement has been added that all creditors who participate in the arrangement do so receiving equal treatment within their creditor groups.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Benefit Claim Processing

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average time taken to rate a claim for  (a) jobseekers' allowance and  (b) income support was in Ribble Valley in each of the last 10 years.

Jim Murphy: holding answer 23 May 2006
	The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the information requested.
	 Letter from Lesley Strathie:
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the average time taken to rate a claim for Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support in the Ribble Valley in each of the last ten years.
	The information is not available in the format you have requested. The information that is available provides details of the average time taken to process claims to Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support. This is known as the Actual Average Clearance Time.
	Claims from Ribble Valley residents are handled by the processing team at our Blackburn site and it is not possible to separate the Ribble Valley claims. The information about claims handled in Blackburn is set out below.
	
		
			  Days 
			   Income support  Jobseeker's allowance 
			   Standard  Achievement  Standard  Achievement 
			 2002/03 12 11.1 12 11.4 
			 2003/04 12 12.4 12 12.6 
			 2004/05 12 12.5 12 11.3 
			 2005/06 12 14.6 12 13.2 
			  Notes: 1. The figures quoted include claims to Jobseeker's Allowance and Income Support made by customers in Accrington, Blackburn, Clitheroe and Darwen. Figures for individual offices/areas are not obtainable. 2. Information is only available from 2002 as clearance times were not measured in this way before then. 
		
	
	I hope this is helpful.

Departmental Programmes

Alan Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of his Department's building programme in the 2005-06 financial year included  (a) energy self-generation and  (b) water recycling measures.

James Plaskitt: None of the Department's building programme in the 2005-06 financial year included  (a) energy self-generation or  (b) water recycling measures. However, all buildings newly built or acquired for DWP must meet the BREEAM "excellent" standard, which will ensure that opportunities continue to be considered in future programmes. DWP is working under a PFI partnership deal with Land Securities Trillium to deliver energy and water saving projects across its existing estate of approximately 1,500 buildings.

Departmental Programmes

Tim Boswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what action is being taken through departmental programmes to encourage into work  (a) those aged over 50 years and  (b) those above state pension age.

Jim Murphy: Like all other customers, people aged 50 and over, including those above state pension age, can benefit from the range of services provided by Jobcentre Plus, including access to jobs and help and support to find work.
	Additional help is provided to older people who do not find work quickly. New deal 50 plus, which is a voluntary programme, provides people with advice and guidance from personal advisers, and access to in-work financial help through the 50 plus element of the working tax credit. Since April 2000, the programme has been successful in helping more than 150,000 older workers into employment. Once in work, new deal 50 plus customers can claim a Training Grant of up to £1,500 for training of which up to £300 can be used for life-long learning.
	People aged 50 and over are also eligible for help from new deal 25 plus. People who have been claiming jobseeker's allowance (JSA) for 18 months and who have not previously participated on new deal 25 plus, are already required to attend the Gateway stage of the new deal 25 plus programme. This is a period of up to 4 months of intensive job search and specialist help and support to improve job prospects. This is followed by the Intensive Activity Period (IAP) which is currently voluntary for people aged 50 and over. The IAP provides further support and pre-work training to help people return to work.
	Since April 2004, we have been piloting mandatory participation in the new deal 25 plus IAP for people aged 50-59 who have been claiming JSA for 18 months. The pilot has offered people in this age group more extensive help back to work. Interim pilot data has yielded positive results and, as announced in our Welfare Reform Green Paper, we will be commencing a phased national rollout.
	New deal 50 plus is a voluntary programme for those who have been claiming benefits, including those claiming the pension credit, for six months. However, our Green Paper also announced our intention to pilot mandatory participation in new deal 50 plus activities for people aged 50-59 who have been claiming JSA for six months. This will involve attendance at work-focused interviews and the development of action plans to help participants move into employment. Pilot locations have not yet been confirmed.
	Since October 2004, pension credit has been a qualifying benefit for the majority of Jobcentre Plus programmes. This enables people aged 60 and over who are claiming pension credit to take advantage of the wide range of back to work help available.
	In spring 2005 there were three million people claiming incapacity benefits in Great Britain, of which 1.3 million were aged 50 or over. As nearly half of all benefit claimants aged 50 or over are on IB, they will be able to benefit from the rollout of the successful Pathways to Work service across the whole country which will be completed by 2008. Pathways offers new IB customers early support from skilled personal advisers and direct access to a 'Choices Package' of employment programmes and clear financial incentives to make work pay. Any IB customer will be able to access the support and help available on a voluntary basis.
	Our Age Positive Campaign works with employers and others to promote the business benefits of an age diverse workforce and best practice on age in recruitment, training and promotion. In May 2005 we launched the 'Be Ready' national information campaign to raise employer awareness of, and ability to adopt, flexible employment and retirement opportunities to support the recruitment and retention of older workers in advance of age legislation due in October 2006.
	The number of people working past State Pension Age has been increasing and now stands at over one million. We have introduced more attractive state pension deferral options with a higher rate of increment (10.4 per cent.) and the option of taking a lump sum instead of a weekly increase if individuals defer taking their pension for 12 months or longer.

Framework for Vocational Rehabilitation

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what progress has been made in implementing the Framework for Vocational Rehabilitation.

Anne McGuire: Following the publication of the Framework for Vocational Rehabilitation, the strategy 'Health, Work and Well-being; Caring for our future' launched in October 2005 set out how the Government is working in new ways to rehabilitate people back to employment. A National Director for Health and Work has now been appointed holding specific responsibility for vocational rehabilitation and on 3 May 2006 the Government held a summit for stakeholders.
	The Government are also working with stakeholders to find ways to provide earlier and better rehabilitation as part of its wider programme of work on tackling perceptions of a compensation culture and improving the system for valid claims.

Jobcentre Plus

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will ensure that all Jobcentre Plus staff, including those based in Plymouth, are aware of the provisions of SI 2002 No 2905 which affect hon. Members' ability to make representations on behalf of their constituents.

Jim Murphy: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the information requested.
	 Letter from Lesley Strathie:
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about ensuring that Jobcentre Plus staff, including those based in Plymouth, are aware of the provisions of SI 2002 No 2905 which affect Hon. Members' ability to make representations on behalf of their constituents. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	All staff in Jobcentre Plus are aware that they must use the Personal Information Policy Guide when dealing with requests for personal information relating to our customers or staff. This is the primary guidance within the Department for Work and Pensions in respect of dealing with personal customer information and when it may be passed to third parties. The Guide contains specific instructions for staff to follow when a request is received under The Data Protection (Processing of Sensitive Personal Data Elected Representatives) Order 2002: SI 2002 no 2905.
	I am sorry that your office has experienced some difficulty in obtaining information in respect of your constituents. To address this, Louise Ferris, Customer Service Manager, Plymouth Benefit Delivery Centre (Tel: 01752 - 272012), has agreed with your office that future requests should be sent to her for a response.
	I hope this is helpful.

Jobcentre Plus

Justine Greening: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much his Department spent on providing Jobcentre Plus services in each London Jobcentre Plus district in each of the last five financial years, broken down by  (a) head count related expenditure,  (b) non-head count related expenditure and  (c) capital expenditure; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Murphy: holding answer 22 May 2006
	The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the information requested.
	 Letter from Leslie Strathie:
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions asking how much his Department spent on providing Jobcentre Plus services in each London Jobcentre Plus district in each of the last five financial years, broken down by (a) head count related expenditure, (b) non-head count related expenditure and (c) capital expenditure. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	The table below gives the details of expenditure by District for the last four years. Prior to 1 April 2002, Jobcentre Plus did not exist and therefore there are no corresponding figures available for the 2001/02 financial year.
	
		
			  £000 
			  District (costs include irrecoverable VAT)  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06( 1) 
			  Brent, Harrow and Hillingdon 
			  (a) Headcount related costs 14,884 18,390 17,211 14,753 
			  (b) Non-headcount related costs 8,351 4,816 7,812 7,601 
			  (c) Capital 25 351 0 0 
			  
			  Central London 
			  (a) Headcount related costs 32,538 21,445 22,033 19,084 
			  (b) Non-headcount related costs 17,489 14,337 18,606 15,094 
			  (c) Capital 0 30 1 0 
			  
			  City and East London 
			  (a) Headcount related costs 31,323 31,980 33,252 22,645 
			  (b) Non-headcount related costs 18,891 18,593 24,436 19,380 
			  (c) Capital 0 0 0 0 
			  
			  Lambeth, Southwark and Wandsworth 
			  (a) Headcount related costs 28,327 32,412 29,681 26,317 
			  (b) Non-headcount related costs 13,268 12,168 14,985 11,734 
			  (c) Capital 38 878 40 0 
			  
			  North London 
			  (a) Headcount related costs 21,067 22,820 22,822 20,601 
			  (b) Non-headcount related costs 8,136 9,816 14,481 11,012 
			  (c) Capital 0 14 0 0 
			  
			  North East London 
			  (a) Headcount related costs 21,246 23,935 23,201 16,288 
			  (b) Non-headcount related costs 9,352 8,169 11,197 8,386 
			  (c) Capital 0 0 0 0 
			  
			  South London 
			  (a) Headcount related costs 22,345 21,241 21,934 20,522 
			  (b) Non-headcount related costs 6,999 8,772 9,821 9,471 
			  (c) Capital 0 23 0 0 
			  
			  South East London 
			  (a) Headcount related costs 17,576 19,172 19,203 17,940 
			  (b) Non-headcount related costs 8,920 9,803 11,296 10,821 
			  (c) Capital 0 13 0 0 
			  
			  West London 
			  (a) Headcount related costs 17,403 17,034 16,813 16,097 
			  (b) Non-headcount related costs 8,675 11,754 14,476 13,341 
			  (c) Capital 64 1 0 0 
		
	
	Headcount related costs includes the costs of permanent salaries, casual and temporary staff, superannuation costs and overtime. Non Headcount related cost includes office costs, utilities, telephone costs and the cost of training programmes e.g. New Deal.
	The capital figures exclude the cost of Jobcentre Plus Rollout (refurbishment and acquisitions) which is met from a centrally managed national programme budget.
	During the period since Jobcentre Plus was created London region has undergone major restructuring to move from one region covering London and South East to two regions. The number of districts in the region has also reduced from 30 to 9. This reorganisation makes comparison of expenditure between years difficult. The continued centralisation of benefit processing has reduced costs directly held in regions over the period.
	The 2005-06 figures have not been finalised and may be subject to change following the annual audit.

Jobcentre Plus

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the cost of maintaining the Job Centre Plus website in each year since its creation.

Jim Murphy: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the information requested.
	 Letter from Lesley Strathie:
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the costs of maintaining the Jobcentre Plus website in each year since its creation. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as chief executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	The information you have requested is in the table.
	
		
			  £ 
			   Total maintenance costs 
			 2002-03 457,000 
			 2003-04 466,500 
			 2004-05 610,200 
			 2005-06 637,000 
		
	
	I hope this is helpful.

Pathways to Work

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people have started on the Pathways to Work scheme in each pilot district since the scheme's introduction.

Jim Murphy: holding answer 25 May 2006
	The information requested is in the table.
	
		
			  Individuals starting Pathways to Work, by district 
			   Number 
			 Bridgend, Rhondda, Cynon and Taf 19,980 
			 Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, Argyll and Bute 17,980 
			 Derbyshire 30,010 
			 Gateshead and South Tyneside 12,740 
			 East Lancashire 17,000 
			 Essex 27,420 
			 Somerset 10,680 
			  Notes:  1. Data is to the end of October 2005. 2. All figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. 3. As requested the answer is based on the number of individuals who have started Pathways to Work. The total number of Pathways starts is higher as an individual can have multiple spells on Pathways. 4. The first three Pathways to Work pilots (Bridgend, Rhondda, Cynon and Taf; Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, Argyll and Bute; Derbyshire) commenced on 27 October 2003. The four pilots in the second phase of Pathways to Work (Gateshead and South Tyneside; East Lancashire; Essex; Somerset) commenced on 5 April 2004.  Source: Pathways to Work Evaluation Database.

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Arm's Length Management Organisations

Daniel Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment she has made of the impact on tenant  (a) rents and  (b) satisfaction with their accommodation of the transfer of housing stock to arm's length management organisations.

Yvette Cooper: Local authorities do not transfer their housing stock to arm's length management organisations (ALMOs). The stock and the ALMO remain wholly owned by the local authorities. ALMOs are set up by local authorities to manage all or part of their housing stock.
	There is no direct impact on rents when an ALMO is set up as the power to set rents remains with the local authority. The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) issues rent setting guidance to all local authorities, whether or not they have an ALMO, on the rent restructuring rules. Rent restructuring will result in actual and assumed rents converging over time.
	DCLG as yet does not have sufficient definitive data covering ALMOs to assess the impact of ALMOs on tenant satisfaction.

Arm's Length Management Organisations

Daniel Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much funding will be made available for the next round of transfers to arm's length management organisations.

Yvette Cooper: The ALMO (Arm's Length Management Organisation) programme has received a budget of £3.7 billion under the two most recent spending reviews for the five years up to 2007-08. £3.3 billion of this has been allocated to existing ALMOs. Spend in 2007-08 by any ALMOs that apply for the next round, along with further allocations for continuing ALMOs, will be met from the remaining provision. Funding for ALMOs beyond 2007-08 will be considered in the context of the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Carol Vincent

John Spellar: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if his Department will investigate the management of the Metropolitan Housing Trust following the discovery of the remains of Carol Vincent in one of the Trust's properties.

Yvette Cooper: I have been asked to reply.
	The Housing Corporation is the independent regulator for registered social landlords (RSLs) such as MHT. Its assessment is that no mismanagement has occurred on the behalf of MHT in relation to the case of Carol Vincent. However, I understand that MHT is reviewing its procedures to consider what checks it could or should carry out to try to ensure it has contact with those residents who, though not vulnerable and not in contact with the association because of any repair or maintenance issue, do not contact the association for a significant period of time.

Compulsory Land Purchases

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much was spent on compulsory land purchases in  (a) Guildford constituency,  (b) Surrey and  (c) England in 2005-06.

Yvette Cooper: This information is not collected by the Department.

Correspondence

Michael Spicer: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when the Minister of State will reply to the hon. Member for West Worcestershire's letter of 24 April, about council tax on secondary homes.

Angela Smith: A response was sent to the hon. Member on 31 May 2006. I apologise for the delay.

Council Tax

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many and what proportion of properties in each council tax collecting local authority area were recorded as being entitled to second home council tax relief in  (a) 1995,  (b) 2000,  (c) 2005 and  (d) 2006.

Phil Woolas: A table detailing the information for 2005 has been made available in the Library of the House. The table gives, for each billing authority, both the number of second homes in the local authority area and the number of second homes as a proportion of the housing stock in the area. The data are from a snapshot taken in October 2005, as recorded on CTB1 forms submitted by each local authority.
	Data for 1995 and 2000 are not available on a robust consistent basis. The snapshot for 2006 is not yet available.

Departmental Legislation

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will list those  (a) Acts and  (b) parts of Acts which received Royal Assent between 1976 and 2006 for which her Department has policy responsibility and which remain in force.

Angela Smith: There is no centrally held record of this information and it could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Transition Costs

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate she has made of the cost of re-organising her Department.

Angela Smith: I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave to the hon. Members for Brentwood and Ongar (Mr. Pickles) and North Cornwall (Mr. Rogerson) on 17 May 2006,  Official Report, column 989W and to the hon. Member for Ryedale (Mr. Greenway) on 18 May 2006,  Official Report, column 990W.

Deprivation

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will list the local authority wards in  (a) Tamworth constituency and  (b) Staffordshire which are in the top 30 per cent. of wards in England by multiple deprivation indicators; and if she will make a statement.

Phil Woolas: The following table lists the super output areas (SOAs) in Tamworth constituency and Staffordshire that fall within the 30 per cent. most deprived SOAs in England. The most deprived SOA in the area is located in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
	
		
			  SOA code  Parliamentary constituency  Rank of IMD where1 = most deprived 
			 E01029468 Burton 2666 
			 E01029445 Burton 2918 
			 E01029450 Burton 3232 
			 E01029427 Burton 3518 
			 E01029453 Burton 3655 
			 E01029408 Burton 4523 
			 E01029437 Burton 5472 
			 E01029447 Burton 5615 
			 E01029421 Burton 5686 
			 E01029426 Burton 6398 
			 E01029436 Burton 6399 
			 E01029409 Burton 6498 
			 E01029410 Burton 6641 
			 E01029429 Burton 7577 
			 E01029448 Burton 8023 
			 E01029472 Burton 8349 
			 E01029452 Burton 8364 
			 E01029407 Burton 9592 
			 E01029358 Cannock Chase 3026 
			 E01029372 Cannock Chase 3755 
			 E01029390 Cannock Chase 4789 
			 E01029397 Cannock Chase 5220 
			 E01029350 Cannock Chase 5465 
			 E01029356 Cannock Chase 5800 
			 E01029362 Cannock Chase 6023 
			 E01029351 Cannock Chase 6071 
			 E01029373 Cannock Chase 6323 
			 E01029359 Cannock Chase 6926 
			 E01029346 Cannock Chase 7209 
			 E01029357 Cannock Chase 7473 
			 E01029388 Cannock Chase 8693 
			 E01029360 Cannock Chase 8883 
			 E01029355 Cannock Chase 9110 
			 E01029354 Cannock Chase 9530 
			 E01029404 Cannock Chase 9590 
			 E01029496 Lichfield 6648 
			 E01029492 Lichfield 7727 
			 E01029554 Newcastle-under-Lyme 927 
			 E01029566 Newcastle-under-Lyme 2496 
			 E01029548 Newcastle-under-Lyme 3587 
			 E01029547 Newcastle-under-Lyme 4288 
			 E01029538 Newcastle-under-Lyme 5207 
			 E01029560 Newcastle-under-Lyme 5519 
			 E01029598 Newcastle-under-Lyme 5601 
			 E01029558 Newcastle-under-Lyme 5989 
			 E01029553 Newcastle-under-Lyme 6163 
			 E01029593 Newcastle-under-Lyme 6165 
			 E01029604 Newcastle-under-Lyme 6304 
			 E01029602 Newcastle-under-Lyme 8246 
			 E01029535 Newcastle-under-Lyme 8258 
			 E01029611 Newcastle-under-Lyme 8462 
			 E01029591 Newcastle-under-Lyme 8999 
			 E01029552 Newcastle-under-Lyme 9325 
			 E01029568 Newcastle-under-Lyme 9382 
			 E01029567 Newcastle-under-Lyme 9500 
			 E01029635 South Staffordshire 7550 
			 E01029679 South Staffordshire 8774 
			 E01029717 Stafford 4880 
			 E01029734 Stafford 5890 
			 E01029727 Stafford 6732 
			 E01029720 Stafford 7373 
			 E01029701 Stafford 8802 
			 E01029725 Stafford 9696 
			 E01029692 Stafford 9740 
			 E01029765 Staffordshire Moorlands 3206 
			 E01029543 Staffordshire Moorlands 3892 
			 E01029763 Staffordshire Moorlands 4988 
			 E01029564 Staffordshire Moorlands 6692 
			 E01029809 Staffordshire Moorlands 7101 
			 E01029810 Staffordshire Moorlands 7224 
			 E01029561 Staffordshire Moorlands 7541 
			 E01029766 Staffordshire Moorlands 8757 
			 E01029541 Staffordshire Moorlands 9297 
			 E01029782 Stone 7486 
			 E01029787 Stone 8274 
			 E01029783 Stone 9708 
			 E01029845 Tamworth 2727 
			 E01029828 Tamworth 3525 
			 E01029842 Tamworth 4262 
			 E01029840 Tamworth 4264 
			 E01029835 Tamworth 5543 
			 E01029824 Tamworth 5721 
			 E01029859 Tamworth 5930 
			 E01029843 Tamworth 6329 
			 E01029827 Tamworth 7011 
			 E01029849 Tamworth 9174

Euro-preparation Group

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when the local authorities' euro preparations group will next meet.

Edward Balls: I have been asked to reply
	The Euro Preparations Unit (EPU) in HM Treasury takes the lead in co-ordinating appropriate euro preparations across the economy. As part of its regular programme of activities with stakeholders, EPU intends to host a further meeting between local authorities and central Government officials in the autumn.

Fire Service

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what payments have been made by her Department to the Chief Fire Officers' Association in each year since 2002.

Angela Smith: Grants to Chief Fire Officers' Association or its predecessor organisation, Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers' Association were as follows:
	
		
			  £ 
			   Amount 
			 2006-07 203,750 
			 2005-06 815,000 
			 2004-05 687,842 
			 2003-04 404,317 
			 2002-03 150,000 
		
	
	The 2006-07 payment is the first of four proposed payments totalling £815,000.

Fire Service

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the  (a) staffing and  (b) administrative costs of its Fire Service Group have been since 2002.

Angela Smith: Since 2002 responsibility for fire services within the Department has been restructured several times and historic figures are not available in the form requested. The current staffing in relation to fire and rescue service is 173 and expenditure for 2005-06 on administration was £9.4 million.

Flood Protection

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will list those councils which offer their council taxpayers a flood protection product discounted scheme.

Phil Woolas: The Department is not aware of any local authority which offers assistance to residents for the purchase of flood protection products by means of council tax discounts.

Growth Areas Fund

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much funding will be allocated to the Stansted-Cambridge-Peterborough Growth Corridor by her Department for public parks and green spaces under the auspices of the Growth Areas Fund in the next five years; and if she will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: The London Stansted Cambridge Peterborough Growth Area will benefit from £17.7 million investment in 17 projects over the period 2004 to 2008, for the improvement and creation of new green spaces. This includes £1 million for the Peterborough Green Park South project, which compliments other flagship projects such as Coton Countryside Reserve and the Wicken Fen Vision. These projects will be delivered by local authorities and a number of specialist organisations, including the Wildlife Trusts and Groundwork.
	This significant funding package represents part of the £38 million the Department for Communities and Local Government is investing in the three newer growth areas through the Growth Areas Fund (GAP) to support the delivery of green infrastructure, meeting our 10 per cent. funding commitment set out in the Government's response to the Barker report. Growth Area Funding post 2008 is subject to the outcome of the comprehensive spending review 2007.

Home Information Packs

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate the Government have made of the number of individuals likely to be fined each year for attempting to sell a home without a home information pack once the proposal is implemented.

Yvette Cooper: Home information packs offer benefits for sellers as well as buyers. We do not expect widespread failure to comply with the home information pack duties. The main focus of enforcement by local weights and measures authorities will be aimed at providing information and advice to help estate agents and others to comply with the duties. Penalty charges are likely to be reserved for serious breaches—for example a persistent failure to comply with home information pack obligations.

Home Information Packs

Daniel Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate she has made of the cost of including information on water metering in the home information pack.

Yvette Cooper: A drainage and water search is obtained by most buyers now and will therefore be a required document in the home information pack. The search currently costs around £30 plus VAT and includes information on a range of matters relating to drainage and water other than water metering. The search will include information on the location of water meters, whether the water supply is currently metered and whether this arrangement is likely to change following a change of occupancy.

Home Information Packs

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will delay the introduction of home information packs to take account of concerns expressed by the industry.

Yvette Cooper: We have published the timetable for implementation and are on track to meet the 1 June 2007 target. Home information packs are being introduced to benefit consumers.

Home Information Packs

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans she has to review the requirements for home information packs; and if she will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: The regulations which we plan to lay shortly will contain details of the content of home information packs. These have been widely consulted upon, and are well understood by the principal stakeholders, the details of the home information packs will be tested as part of the dry run.

Home Information Packs

Phil Willis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what representations she has received expressing concerns about the introduction of home information packs; from which organisations such representations have come; and what the nature is of the concerns expressed.

Yvette Cooper: A wide variety of views have been received over many years and discussions take place regularly with all the major stakeholders. Some of those who make money out of the current system for buying and selling homes are opposed to home information packs and have always been. The main organisation representing consumers is strongly in favour of home information packs.

Home Inspectors

Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many of the candidates registered for home inspector training have no  (a) previous qualification and  (b) practical work experience related to property (i) surveying and (ii) construction.

Yvette Cooper: The latest figures provided by the assessment centres in May indicate that 60 per cent. of the candidates were chartered surveyors. We have no detailed breakdown of the remainder. All those qualifying as home inspectors will have reached the appropriate national standard irrespective of their experience or previous qualifications.

Home Inspectors

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether an individual convicted of a criminal offence will be eligible to become a certified home inspector.

Yvette Cooper: I have been asked to reply.
	Currently, there are no checks on the criminal records of people conducting home surveys and valuation inspections. The 2004 Housing Act requires home inspectors to be fit and proper persons to carry out inspections. Those wishing to become home inspectors will therefore be subject to a full background investigation, involving a Criminal Records Bureau check. We are working with the Home Office on developing an approach similar to that used for people wishing to become police officers.

Housing

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many dwellings would be constructed in an acre of residential development with a density of  (a) 30,  (b) 50 and  (c) 70 dwellings per hectare.

Yvette Cooper: One acre is 0.405 hectare and therefore basic maths shows that the number of dwellings on one acre of land, on the basis set out, would be:  (a) 12,  (b) 20 and  (c) 28 dwellings.

Housing

Daniel Rogerson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which councils have firm plans in place to meet the decent homes standard for existing housing stock.

Yvette Cooper: holding answer 12 May 2006
	The majority of councils now have time plans in to meet the decent homes standard for existing stock. Seven councils have plans for delivery but are awaiting Government Office sign off (Birmingham, East Devon, Stroud, Isles of Scilly, North Tyneside, Ribble Valley and the London borough of Merton) 46 authorities have firm plans in place but are waiting for the bidding round for arms length management organisations and stock transfers which will be launched shortly. Two currently have no plans in place (Camden and Ellesmere Port.)

Housing

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she make a statement on the provision of affordable housing in Coventry South.

Yvette Cooper: It is not possible to provide separate figures for Coventry South.
	Allocations to provide new affordable housing are made from the national Affordable Housing Programme, on the recommendation of the Regional Housing Board, and through a local bidding process to the Housing Corporation.
	For 2004-06 the city of Coventry was allocated £7.4 million from the Housing Corporation to provide 174 units of affordable housing.
	For 2006-08 just over £9 million has been allocated to fund 255 units, and this represents a 21 per cent. increase in funding from the Affordable Housing Programme to Coventry city council.
	During 2004-06 the city delivered 208 new affordable homes in Coventry, of which:
	95 were achieved through planning gain (section 106 agreements), providing 64 homes for rent and 31 for shared ownership;
	An additional 57 homes for rent were provided through an acquisition and refurbishment programme.
	During 2006-08 the city council expects to provide 320 new affordable homes in Coventry, of which:
	160 are expected to be achieved through planning gain (section 106 agreements); providing 80 for rent and 80 for shared ownership;
	An additional 30 homes for rent are expected to be delivered through an acquisition and refurbishment programme.

Housing

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what discussions she has had with church authorities on releasing land and buildings for social housing.

Yvette Cooper: My officials have had occasional discussions with a number of housing providers and landowners, including the Church Commissioners, on the issue of affordable housing provision. The Church Commissioners consider that they have a legal obligation to obtain the best possible long term return on property disposals.

Jaywick

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what funds have been made available for the regeneration of Jaywick; over what period of time these funds may be spent; from what sources the funds have been provided; and if she will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: The information requested is subject to the Jaywick Options Assessment Report which has been prepared by the consultants Llewelyn Davies Yeang. The report has been circulated to the Jaywick Agencies Group who will decide on a way forward for Jaywick and the project on these matters at their next meeting, due to take place before the end of June 2006. I have asked my officials to write to the hon. Member once this information is available.

Jaywick

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment she has made of the merits of the proposals outlined for consultation in the Jaywick regeneration plan for the compulsory purchase of homes; and if she will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: The information requested is subject to the Jaywick Options Assessment Report which has been prepared by the consultants Llewelyn Davies Yeang. The report has been circulated to the Jaywick Agencies Group who will decide on a way forward for Jaywick and the project on these matters at their next meeting, due to take place before the end of June 2006. I have asked my officials to write to the hon. Member once this information is available.

Jaywick

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which of the agencies involved in the Jaywick master plan will take overall responsibility for ensuring that the plan takes the concerns of local residents into account.

Yvette Cooper: Tendring district council and EEDA have joint responsibility for managing the master plan project and ensuring that the plan takes the concerns of local residents into account.
	The master plan tender contract with the consultants Llewelyn Davies Young included a clause about the need for community engagement to ensure that the interests of all residents are taken into account. The consultants have organised and held a number of public meetings in 2006 to gain an understanding of local needs. The outcome of these meetings will inform the detailed masterplanning, due to be completed in June 2006.

Jaywick

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether overall responsibility for the Jaywick master plan proposal lies with  (a) the East of England Development Agency,  (b) the Government Office of the East of England (Go-East),  (c) Tendring district council,  (d) her Department and  (e) another organisation.

Yvette Cooper: Responsibility for the master plan project lies jointly with of the East of England Development Agency and Tendring district council, on behalf of the Jaywick Agencies Group (East of England Development Agency, GO-East, Essex county council, Tendring district council, Environment Agency). The project is being funded by EEDA.

Local Government Finance

Sarah Teather: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what was the total cost of  (a) collecting and  (b) administering council tax in each of the last five years.

Phil Woolas: I have been asked to reply.
	The total cost of collecting council tax (including administration costs) in England in each of the last five years is as follows:
	
		
			   £000 
			 2000-01 301,539 
			 2001-02 301,535 
			 2002-03 311,135 
			 2003-04 333,197 
			 2004-05 340,911 
			  Notes: 1. The data include the administration costs of collecting council tax. They are not available separately. 2. The total cost of collecting council tax in England is local authority gross expenditure net of any income relating to the collection of council tax. Gross expenditure on council tax collection includes the cost of sending out bills and pursuing late payers. The related income is mainly made up of recovered court costs.  Source: ODPM Revenue Outturn (RO) returns—RO6 data. 
		
	
	Comparisons across years may not be valid due to changes in the method of reporting the information. In particular, the outturn data for 2000-01 to 2002-03 have been calculated on a non-FRS (Financial Reporting Standard) 17 basis while the outturn data for 2003-04 to 2004-05 have been calculated on an FRS 17 basis.

Local Government Finance

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much central Government funding Shropshire received in 2005-06.

Phil Woolas: In 2005-06, Shropshire county council received £176,106,706 in formula grant, comprising revenue support grant and redistributed business rates.
	In addition Shropshire county council will have received some special grant. Information on authorities income from special grants will be collected and available later in the year.

Lyons Inquiry

Roberta Blackman-Woods: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether the council tax liability of landlords of student properties is being considered by Sir Michael Lyons' Inquiry into local government.

Phil Woolas: The terms of reference for Sir Michael Lyons' independent inquiry into local government require him to make recommendations on how best to reform council tax. It is for Sir Michael to consider what particular aspects he should consider within those terms of reference.

Milton Keynes South Midlands Growth Area

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  whether the work being undertaken by the West Midlands Regional Assembly into the implications of the Milton Keynes South Midlands growth area for the West Midlands region will be integrated into the national spatial approach and the developing Midlands Way strategy;
	(2)  whether the Milton Keynes South Midlands growth area plans will take specific cognisance of the needs of the West Midlands region, as illustrated by the West Midlands Economic Strategy and the West Midlands Spatial Strategy;
	(3)  what monitoring mechanisms will be put in place to measure the impact of the Milton Keynes South Midlands growth area in spatial and economic terms on the West Midlands region;
	(4)  what consideration has been given to planning in the Milton Keynes South Midlands growth area for commercial developments in response to representations by the regional business community, and work undertaken by the West Midlands Regional Assembly on economic linkages between the West Midlands region and the Milton Keynes South Midlands growth area.

Yvette Cooper: The Milton Keynes South Midlands Sub-Regional Strategy sets out plans for growth in one of the four key areas identified in the Government's Sustainable Communities Plan 2003. The Strategy recognises the important connections that already exist with other areas—notably London and the West Midlands conurbation—and that these must continue to be developed. Local partners will continue to work together across the regions to ensure these connections are strengthened.
	The growth area provides opportunities for businesses in the East and West Midlands. Consultants are currently developing proposals for the Midlands Way on behalf of a Steering Group which is led by the two Regional Development Agencies and includes the Government Offices, Assemblies, business and local authority partners. The West Midlands Business Council has been leading a group which is considering the implications of the Milton Keynes South Midlands Growth Area and the results are being fed through to the Midlands Way Steering Group. The Midlands Way is likely to have a strong economic focus and links to neighbouring areas, both north and south will be reflected in its actions.

Milton Keynes South Midlands Growth Area

Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on what criteria the decision was made not to include West Midlands regional public agencies on the Inter Regional Board for the Milton Keynes South Midlands growth area; and whether this decision will be reviewed.

Yvette Cooper: The Milton Keynes South Midlands Inter-regional Board was established in 2004 to facilitate the delivery of sustainable growth within the Milton Keynes South Midlands growth area. The Inter-regional Board brings together senior representatives from agencies with responsibility for growth points within the growth area, which includes the relevant agencies from East of England, East Midlands, and South East regions.
	There are no current plans to review the membership of the Inter-regional Board.

New Deal (Liverpool)

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment she has made of provision for black and ethnic minority communities in the Kensington New Deal Project in Liverpool.

Phil Woolas: Last year Kensington Regeneration undertook the annual performance management framework assessment, which included the mandatory theme of diversity and equality. Kensington Regeneration's self-assessed score was good and this was confirmed by the Audit Commission's moderation.
	The partnership has taken a mainstreaming approach to black and ethnic minority provision but additional customised support is provided in areas of employment, housing and adult learning.

Planning (Chester)

Eric Illsley: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment his Department has made of the capability of Chester city council adequately to address planning applications for developments with national environmental and employment implications

Angela Smith: I have been asked to reply.
	Local planning authorities such as Chester city council are responsible for day-to-day planning matters in their administrative areas, including the determination of planning applications. Successive governments have taken the view that local authorities should be free to carry out their responsibilities with the minimum of interference from central Government since they are ultimately answerable to their electorate for discharging their duties.
	The First Secretary of State has no powers under statute to investigate the manner in which local authorities conduct their affairs.

Planning Policy Statement 3

Jeremy Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what representations her Department has received regarding draft Planning Policy Statement 3, on housing density and infill development.

Yvette Cooper: The former Office of the Deputy Prime Minister received a number of representations, following the consultation exercise which closed on 27 February, on the application of the density policies set out in draft Planning Policy Statement 3 "Housing" (PPS3) to small scale infill development. The Department for Communities and Local Government will be taking these representations into account in finalising the draft policy, and will publish a summary of them when publishing PPS3 in its final form later this year.

Regional Assemblies

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether there are plans to give further powers to regional assemblies.

Yvette Cooper: The 2004 Barker Review of Housing Supply recommended that Regional Planning Bodies and Regional Housing Boards be merged. The Government have now formally invited the eight regional assemblies to add this housing responsibility to their existing planning role later this year.
	The Government have no current plans to give further powers to regional assemblies.

Urban Regeneration

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what funds his Department provided to urban regeneration companies in each of the last eight years.

Yvette Cooper: I have been asked to reply.
	The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not normally provide funding directly to any Urban Regeneration Company (URC). Instead, funding is provided by the partners in each URC; this covers, separately, revenue and capital costs. The usual partners of a URC comprise the local Regional Development Agency (RDA), the local authority or authorities, and English Partnerships (EP). The table shows the estimated revenue funding provided to the individual URCs for the latest financial year, 2005-06. Allocations for previous years were of a similar order for each URC. Note that URCs have been created at different times over the past seven years.
	Information on funding allocations for capital projects in each URC is not held centrally. Funding for capital projects is not normally provided directly to the URCs; rather, expenditure on projects is incurred by the partners themselves, on the basis of strategies agreed with the URCs.
	Exceptionally, and in addition to the above quoted data, ODPM does provide special direct funding to the URC in Peterborough, under the Growth Areas programme, and to the URC in Southend, as part of the Thames Gateway programme; this is done to support the work that these two companies are carrying out under these initiatives, in addition to their standard URC regeneration activities.
	
		
			  Revenue Allocations to URCs, 2005-06 
			  £000 
			  URC  EP  RDA  LAs  Total 
			 Blackpool 0 450 450 900 
			 Bradford 400 400 400 1,200 
			 Camborne 250 250 250 750 
			 Corby 250 250 250 750 
			 Derby 250 250 250 750 
			 Gloucester 250 250 250 750 
			 Hull 250 400 250 900 
			 Leicester 250 250 250 750 
			 Liverpool 400 400 400 1,200 
			 Manchester 440 440 440 1,320 
			 Peterborough* 250 250 250 750 
			 Salford 250 250 250 750 
			 Sandwell 250 250 250 750 
			 Sheffield 400 400 400 1,200 
			 Southend* 125 125 125 375 
			 Sunderland 330 330 330 990 
			 Swindon 250 250 250 750 
			 Tees Valley 330 330 330 990 
			 Walsall 250 250 250 750 
			 West Lakes 0 500 250 750 
			 Yarmouth 0 250 315 565 
			 All 21  URCs 5,175 6,525 6,195 17,895 
			  Notes: 1. Blackpool, Lowestoft/Yarmouth and West Lakes do not receive revenue funding from English Partnerships (EP). 2. Southend gets another £250,000 from ODPM directly, as part of Thames Gateway operation; Peterborough gets another £315,000 from Growth Area funds. 3. Blackpool, Peterborough, Salford, Southend and Lowestoft/Yarmouth were established only towards the end of FY 2005-06. 4. In addition to the above, funders pay the URCs' VAT on their contributions.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Afghanistan

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which countries have funded alternative livelihoods programmes in Afghanistan; what funding each provided in  (a) 2004 and  (b) 2005; and what funding is forecast for 2006.

Hilary Benn: Alternative livelihoods help people in the transition from income from poppy to income from legal activities. Alternative livelihoods activities include assisting farmers to acquire assets and creating a favourable regulatory and institutional environment for non-poppy farming.
	According to the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) a total of US$490 million of international aid was committed to Alternative Livelihoods in Afghanistan in the Afghan year 2005-06. There are no reliable collective figures for international aid prior to this date.
	The details for 2005-06 are as follows:
	
		
			   US$ million 
			 Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund, managed by the World Bank, funded by 25 donors (including the UK) to Afghanistan 158 
			   
			 Additional funding for Alternative Livelihoods includes:  
			 USA 154 
			 UK 67 
			 European Commission 41 
			 Other (Japan, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Aga Khan Foundation) 70 
		
	
	Responsibility for collection of the data for 2006-07 has been transferred from UNODC to the Afghan Ministry of Counter Narcotics. A UK-funded consultant is supporting ministry staff to do this. The results are planned to be released at the end of June.

Grenada

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much humanitarian aid and financial assistance the UK has given to Grenada since 2001; and when he expects an assessment team to be sent to Grenada to determine whether further financial or humanitarian aid is necessary.

Gareth Thomas: Between the financial years 2000-01 and 2004-05, the UK has provided a total of £8.15 million of aid to Grenada. Of this total, £1.65 million was provided over the period as financial assistance, and £6.5 million was provided as emergency assistance following the impact of Hurricane Ivan on the country in September 2004.
	Following Hurricane Ivan in 2005, DFID committed a total of £325,000 to provide: consultancy support in the forestry sector; a chartered surveyor to assess the hurricane damage done to the Governor-General's compound and Parliament; and, with the US Agency for International Development, co-finance debt advisers to develop proposals for the restructuring of Grenada's debt. In addition, our share of the European Commission's humanitarian support and additional reconstruction funds following the impact of the hurricane was £1.18 million.
	Since Hurricane Ivan, we have remained closely engaged with the Government of Grenada, with regular visits to the island by DFID staff based in the Caribbean. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for International Development, made it clear in meetings with Prime Minister Keith Mitchell in 2005, that DFID recognised the Government's success at leading the reconstruction efforts, and the continuing challenges facing Grenada. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for International Development, made a commitment to review the case for additional budget support to Grenada. We will keep the situation under close review and, in the absence of another disaster, make any future judgment based on input from the Government of Grenada, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the European Commission, and other development partners.

India

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will list the projects in India that are supported by his Department that are specifically aimed at Dalit peoples.

Gareth Thomas: DFID is committed to supporting the Government of India in its efforts to combat caste discrimination and social exclusion in all its forms. Dalits (also known as Scheduled Castes), like other minorities, have a right to be included in all the mainstream Government programmes that DFID supports. DFID does not support particular programmes aimed at minority communities but promotes social inclusion in all its programmes.
	India's constitution safeguards the rights of all its citizens and the Government of India's policies provide the necessary framework to tackle discrimination. The challenge is to implement these policies effectively and for this reason DFID is engaging with the Government of India and other development partners to help to implement their commitments.
	For example, in education, DFID supports India's National Programme for achieving universal primary education (Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan—SSA). One of the objectives of this programme, which was launched in September 2004, was to narrow the gaps that existed between the enrolment of Scheduled Caste and other children.
	The recent mid-term review of SSA indicates that the programme has been effective in increasing the enrolment of Scheduled Caste children into mainstream education. The proportion of Scheduled Caste children in the school population has increased from 19 per cent. in 2003 to 21.3 per cent. in 2005. This means that millions of Dalit children are now in schools alongside other children and the proportion of Dalit children in mainstream Government schools now exceeds the proportion of Dalit children in the general population. This success has been achieved through a range of strategies that have helped to tackle discrimination at all levels.
	Special efforts are needed to ensure that Dalits are able to exercise their rights to access mainstream services. DFID is providing £75 million over five years to UNICEF in India to help reduce child mortality to tackle social exclusion in health and education services. Under this partnership, UNICEF has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indian Institute of Dalit Studies. This will increase understanding of how to tackle the constraints and barriers that Dalits face in accessing services.

Maldives

Denis MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions he has had with President Gayoom on the matter of political reform in the Maldives.

Kim Howells: I have been asked to reply.
	My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not had discussions with President Gayoom of the Maldives on political reform. Our new High Commissioner in Colombo, also accredited to the Maldives, presented his credentials to the President on 22 May. The High Commissioner subsequently met with Government Ministers, members of the Maldivian Democratic Party and others for discussions. Additionally, there have been a number of recent meetings between officials and Maldivian Ministers in London and Malé. All of these discussions included the subject of political reform. I also refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave him today (UIN 74794).

Nepal

Clare Short: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support the Government have provided to the UN Human Rights monitoring mission in Nepal.

Kim Howells: I have been asked to reply.
	The UK has provided substantial funding for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) operation in Nepal. This was the largest single project in the Global Conflict Prevention Pool's (GCPP) Nepal Strategy for 2005-06, from which we made a contribution of £610,000. We also provided a further £200,000 from the Global Opportunity Fund.
	Particularly since the King's take-over of power in February 2005, human rights have been a major area of focus of our policy, which is reflected in the projects we have funded.
	Using GCPP funds we have appointed a human rights adviser who works closely with OHCHR providing reports and analysis of human rights developments and recommendations to ensure due regard for human rights is mainstreamed into policy making in Nepal.

Private Members' Bills

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will list the Private Members' Bills on which his Department has adopted a policy of neutrality in each session since 2001-02; and if he will make a statement.

Hilary Benn: Since the 2001-02 parliamentary session, the International Development (Reporting and Transparency) Bill is the only Private Members' Bill related to international development that has reached its Second Reading (in January 2006). The Government support this Bill.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Broadband

Stephen Hesford: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps his Department is taking to expand the  (a) roll-out and  (b) take-up of broadband in rural areas.

Margaret Hodge: 99.8 per cent. of UK households can now access broadband. Broadband coverage in rural areas stands at 99.2 per cent. of households. Some households are, however, not able to receive broadband services, or only at very low speeds, due to local technicalities such as distance from a home to the local exchange or because of the poor quality of networks.
	The broadband market is dynamic, where research and competition are stimulating rapid developments and innovative solutions to technical problems. There is a range of private and public sector funded pilot projects emerging across the UK aiming to identify solutions to further improve access to broadband services.
	The DTI and DEFRA produced a CD-ROM "A New Way to Live, Work and Play" last year. It contains hundreds of stories and examples of how people obtained and gained benefits from broadband. The CD-ROM was sent to parish councils, rural community councils, regional development agencies, devolved Administrations, intermediary organisations and other interested parties. The material is also available via the DTI website. The Department also has regular contact with the regional development agencies and devolved Administrations to discus future broadband developments and the impact of initiatives to promote its take-up.
	In addition, the DTI continues to explore broadband deployment in the UK and has initiated a debate and review of next generation access for broadband in the UK, through the Broadband Stakeholder Group, involving public and private sector stakeholders and including exploring technical solutions to the inhibitors of broadband access, such as line lengths.
	The DTI is separately engaging organisations such as the Royal National Institute for the Deaf; Help the Aged, the Royal National Institute for the Blind and organisations such as Citizens on-line and the Alliance for Digital Inclusion and other industry organisations to develop options for disadvantaged people to access ICT and broadband.
	"Connecting the UK: The Digital Strategy", launched in April 2005, is the Government's initial response to bridging the digital divide. It sets out a number of actions aimed at driving take-up and use of ICT, particularly among typically excluded groups.
	The DTI is working in partnership with other Government Departments to assist delivery of their programmes including the DfES's e-Strategy 'Harnessing Technology: Transforming learning and children's services', the DCLG's Digital Challenge, to which the DTI has committed £250,000 for the prize fund, and the Cabinet Office's 'Transformational Government'.
	The DTI is also working with stakeholders to develop and promote the support services, which enable access for those without their own equipment, or necessary IT skills such as UK On-line Centres. The Department is active in a European context in supporting the European Commission's i2010 initiative, including supporting the recent Commission communication on Bridging the Broadband Gap, which aims to promote the use of existing measures and initiatives to further broadband access within the European Union.

Cold Calling

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps his Department is taking to combat cold calling by telephone to British citizens by foreign companies; and if he will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge: The Department introduced the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) scheme in 1999, under the Telecommunications (Data Protection and Privacy) Regulations, which were updated by the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations in 2003. The TPS scheme provides protection to UK consumers from cold calling by foreign companies if the calls are made on behalf of UK companies and the consumer has previously notified the caller that they do not wish to receive such calls or has been registered with the TPS for at least 28 days. Therefore, those making cold calls are legally required not to call a number that has registered on the TPS list. The Information Commissioner has responsibility for the enforcement of the TPS scheme and considers complaints about breaches. However, cold calls from non-UK companies marketing a service or product are not covered by the TPS scheme, as the companies and products have no link with the UK.

Company Closures

Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for trade and Industry, how many firms in the UK have ceased trading in each year since 1997, broken down by region.

Margaret Hodge: Value added tax (VAT) de-registrations are the best official guide to the pattern of business closures. DTI data on VAT de-registrations in the UK from 1997 to 2004 are shown in the following table. For comparison, data on each year's VAT registrations and the ratio of de-registrations to registrations are also shown.
	
		
			  VAT de-registrations and registrations 1997-2004 
			   1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004 
			  North East 
			 de-reg 3,795 3,660 3,695 3,655 4,000 3,815 3,990 4,090 
			 reg 4,050 4,110 4,185 4,255 4,125 4,355 4,790 4,290 
			 ratio 0.94 0.89 0.88 0.86 0.97 0.88 0.83 0.95 
			  
			  North West 
			 de-reg 15,465 15,385 15,185 15,590 15,075 15,505 16,000 16,890 
			 reg 17,670 17,535 16,840 17,140 16,390 17,260 18,430 17,640 
			 ratio 0.88 0.88 0.90 0.91 0.92 0.90 0.87 0.96 
			  
			  Yorkshire and the Humber 
			 de-reg 10,610 10,260 10,535 10,760 10,870 11,115 11,195 12,230 
			 reg 11,860 11,805 11,705 11,990 11,660 12,355 13,670 12,835 
			 ratio 0.89 0.87 0.90 0.90 0.93 0.90 0.82 0.95 
			  East Midlands 
			 de-reg 9,620 9,415 9,520 9,845 9,625 9,730 10,805 11,330 
			 reg 11,455 11,510 11,170 11,585 11,225 11,930 12,700 12,205 
			 ratio 0.84 0.82 0.85 0.85 0.86 0.82 0.85 0.93 
			  
			  West Midlands 
			 de-reg 12,070 11,945 12,310 12,155 12,370 12,565 14,365 14,975 
			 reg 14,530 14,675 14,370 14,535 14,070 14,530 15,640 14,855 
			 ratio 0.83 0.81 0.86 0.84 0.88 0.86 0.92 1.01 
			  
			  East 
			 de-reg 13,780 13,555 13,830 14,585 14,860 14,820 16,280 17,495 
			 reg 18,320 17,545 16,785 17,595 16,555 17,710 18,510 17,580 
			 ratio 0.75 0.77 0.82 0.83 0.90 0.84 0.88 1.00 
			  
			  London 
			 de-reg 25,455 27,220 28,065 30,100 30,115 31,240 32,435 35,925 
			 reg 35,890 37,770 36,340 36,405 33,260 33,045 35,905 35,460 
			 ratio 0.71 0.72 0.77 0.83 0.91 0.95 0.90 1.01 
			  
			  South East 
			 de-reg 22,030 21,005 22,485 23,785 23,345 24,425 26,875 28,245 
			 reg 30,110 29,690 28,710 28,770 27,200 28,540 30,470 28,360 
			 ratio 0.73 0.71 0.78 0.83 0.86 0.86 0.88 1.00 
			  
			  South West 
			 de-reg 12,660 12,545 12,960 13,535 12,745 13,205 14,455 14,970 
			 reg 15,840 15,600 15,285 15,340 14,350 15,445 16,380 15,310 
			 ratio 0.80 0.80 0.85 0.88 0.89 0.85 0.88 0.98 
			  
			  Wales 
			 de-reg 5,840 5,855 6,050 5,680 5,310 6,145 6,715 6,650 
			 reg 6,300 6,135 6,090 6,265 5,965 6,355 7,050 6,900 
			 ratio 0.93 0.95 0.99 0.91 0.89 0.97 0.95 0.96 
			  
			  Scotland 
			 de-reg 10,635 10,615 10,840 10,615 10,655 10,395 11,130 11,980 
			 reg 12,460 11,905 11,500 11,305 10,950 11,080 11,790 11,845 
			 ratio 0.85 0.89 0.94 0.94 0.97 0.94 0.94 1.01 
			  
			  Northern Ireland 
			 de-reg 2,840 2,785 3,035 3,000 2,910 2,685 3,395 4,595 
			 reg 3,920 3,710 3,635 3,410 3,495 3,540 3,770 4,140 
			 ratio 0.72 0.75 0.83 0.88 0.83 0.76 0.90 1.11 
			  
			  England and  Wales 
			 de-reg 131,325 130,850 134,630 139,685 138,305 142,570 153,105 162,790 
			 reg 166,030 166,370 161,480 163,880 154,800 161,535 173,555 165,435 
			 ratio 0.79 0.79 0.83 0.85 0.89 0.88 0.88 0.98 
			  
			  United Kingdom 
			 de-reg 144,800 144,250 148,500 153,300 151,870 155,650 167,630 179,370 
			 reg 182,410 181,985 176,615 178,590 169,250 176,150 189,115 181,415 
			 ratio 0.79 0.79 0.84 0.86 0.90 0.88 0.89 0.99 
			  Source: Business Start-ups and Closures: VAT Registrations and De-registrations 1994-2004, Small Business Service, available at hitp;//www.sbs,gov.uk/vats 
		
	
	In England and Wales together and the UK as a whole, the stock of VAT registered businesses has increased each year since 1997, as registrations have exceeded de-registrations throughout this period.
	VAT registration and de-registration data do not capture all business activity. Businesses are unlikely to be registered if their turnover falls below the compulsory VAT threshold, which has risen in each year since 1997. Similarly, businesses that de-register will not necessarily have closed. Only 1.8 million out of 4.3 million businesses (42 per cent.) were registered for VAT at the start of 2004.
	Barclays Bank provides estimates of the total number of business closures each quarter in England and Wales, based on closures of business bank accounts. Barclays estimate that there were 321,500 business closures in England and Wales in 2004. However, Barclays does not publish a regional breakdown of closures.

Competition Authorities

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which of the competition authorities is responsible for monitoring  (a) regulatory compliance of companies involved in the food supply chain and  (b) fair trade between suppliers and retailers.

Ian McCartney: holding answer 22 May 2006
	The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is responsible for monitoring compliance with the Supermarket Code of Practice which seeks to put transactions between supermarkets and their direct suppliers on a clearer and more predictable basis. The Competition Commission is responsible for the undertakings that form the basis of the code.
	Any evidence of alleged anti-competitive practices it should be sent to the OFT.

Computer Sciences Corporation

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  what discussions  (a) he and  (b) his officials have had with (i) the Computer Sciences Corporation and (ii) trade unions on a support package for those affected by redundancies;
	(2)  what discussions  (a) he and  (b) his officials have had with the Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) on the implications of the announcement to cut 1,200 jobs for the agreement reached between CSC and Amicus in August 2005.

Margaret Hodge: There have been no discussions between Ministers or officials and either Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) or the trade unions in respect of a support package for those potentially affected by the announced redundancies. There have also been no discussions on the implications of the announcement on the agreement CSC reached with Amicus in 2005.
	However, we do know that CSC notified the Insolvency Service of its intention to make some of its employees redundant, as all companies planning to lay off 20 or more people from any one site are legally required to do under the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.
	Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, the DTI is permitted to offer redundancy support packages for employees of companies that become insolvent. In this particular case CSC has not become insolvent and we are therefore not able to offer financial support to those affected. Support is offered to individuals through the Jobcentre Plus network to help those individuals return to work.
	I am also aware that CSC struck an agreement with Amicus, but the detail of this remains between the interested parties concerned.

Computer Sciences Corporation

Gordon Marsden: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions  (a) he and  (b) his officials have had with the Computer Sciences Corporation on the implications of the announcement to cut 1,200 UK jobs for (i) the UK economy and (ii) trends in the outsourcing of UK jobs in the computing industry.

Margaret Hodge: There have been no recent discussions between Ministers or officials with Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC). Prior to the UK announcements, officials were in touch with the company headquarters concerning the implications of their global announcement, including possible effects in the UK.
	Clearly, I very much regret any job losses, and the impact this has on individuals and their families.
	However, recent Labour Market Statistics data (May 2006) show that employment levels remain around record levels, with nearly 2.5 million more people in work then there were in 1979. The loss of jobs with the Computer Science Corporation needs to be seen in the context that every month there are approximately 200,000 people moving into, and out of, work.
	The Office for National Statistics does not record the number of jobs outsourced. However in ICT-enabled jobs, which are among those more likely to be affected by outsourcing, employment has over the last four years grown by 8.8 per cent., nearly three times the national average of 3.2 per cent.
	Globalisation is changing the shape of skills requirements in the UK workforce. The Department is working with e-skills UK as the lead UK body in addressing these skills challenges. Ministers and officials have supported the work to improve professionalism in IT led by the British Computer Society and other UK bodies. These and other initiatives aim to improve the competitiveness of the UK's skills as well as enhance the basis for lifelong learning and career development. The Department also continues to monitor information from the IT industry in the light of offshoring as an input to policy.

Consumer Protection

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the operation of the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000; and what recent representations he has received about the operation of the Regulations.

Ian McCartney: The Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000 implement European Council Directive (97/7/EC) to increase consumer protection throughout the EU and give consumers confidence when buying at a distance. Distance selling is where there is no face-to-face contact between the supplier and consumer, such as by phone, mail order, via the internet or digital TV.
	It lays down basic requirements to suppliers of goods and services on the information to be given to consumers before and after they buy, including deadlines for the delivery of goods or performance of services and protection against credit card fraud. The Regulations provide a seven day "cooling off period" during which the consumer can withdraw from the contract, this gives consumers an opportunity to examine the goods. Consumers who exercise their right to cancel must be refunded all money paid within 30 days.
	Following representations from stakeholders, the Regulations were amended on 6 April 2005, making changes to the requirements to provide information and to cancellation periods for the supply of services.
	Designated enforcers such as the Office of Fair Trading and Trading Standards Services have a duty to consider complaints about possible breaches of the Regulations. To ensure compliance enforcers may apply for a court injunction or accept undertakings from a supplier that they will comply.
	The European Commission has begun a review of eight consumer directives known as the Consumer  Acquis, which includes the Distance Selling Directive. The review of the  Acquis aims to simplify and improve these eight directives. The Commission will review each Directive looking at how successful they are at protecting consumers and enhancing the internal market across the EU. My Department has consulted and continues to consult UK business and consumer stakeholders as part of this process.

Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (Section 107A)

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when section 107A of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 will be implemented; when trading standards authorities will be provided with related funding; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Effective implementation of this provision requires agreement with local authorities on how it will be funded and implemented. The Patent Office is working together with the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Local Authority Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services on a number of proposals to achieve this.

Digital Television (Yorkshire)

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people in  (a) Beverley and Holderness and  (b) Yorkshire and the Humber have switched to digital television; what percentage of the population this represents; and if he will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge: Ofcom collates and publishes information on the take-up of digital television as part of their "Communications Market: Nations and the Regions—English regions" report. Their latest report shows that by the end of 2005, 67 per cent. of all households in the Yorkshire and Humberside region had converted at least one television set in the house to digital TV via either satellite, cable or terrestrial. This is an increase of 10 per cent. since December 2004.
	It is not possible to extrapolate how many people in Beverley and Holderness have switched to digital TV.

Domestic Fuel

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many households in England spent over 10 per cent. of their disposable income purchasing fuel for their homes  (a) in 2003 and  (b) in the last period for which figures are available.

Malcolm Wicks: The proportion of households in England that spent over 10 per cent. of their disposable income purchasing fuel for their homes was 5 per cent. in 2003-04 and was also 5 per cent. in 2004-05. There was no statistically significant change between 2003-04 and 2004-05.

Energy Policy

Kitty Ussher: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place in the Library the evidence obtained from the public consultation run by his Department on energy policy from May 2002 to the publication of the Energy White Paper in March 2003, including the results of polling and focus group research.

Malcolm Wicks: A written statement by my right hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, West (Ms Hewitt) (the then Secretary of State for Trade and Industry), and a summary of the White Paper were placed in the Libraries of the House in February 2003. Supporting analysis for the 2003 White Paper is available on the DTI website at:
	www.dit.gov.uk/energy/policy-strategy/energy-white-paper/supporting-analysis/page21345.html

Environmental Technology Industries

Kitty Ussher: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the potential for job creation from the environmental technology industries; and if he will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge: The Government's manifesto says that we will work with the environmental goods and services sector to promote new green technologies and industries. We are working with the Environmental Innovations Advisory Group to enable greater innovation in the environmental industries sector. This includes work on procurement, technology support, state aids, finance and regulation. We also work with the regional development agencies and the devolved Administrations to estimate the size of the sector, and we published data in 2004 showing that the sector already employed over 400,000 people.

EU Anti-dumping Legislation

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with the European Commission on which additional sectors will be covered by future EU anti-dumping legislation.

Ian McCartney: The European Commission website (europa.eu.int/comm/trade/issues/respectrules/anti_ dumping/stats.htm) lists the following current anti-dumping investigations. EU member states were consulted when each of these investigations was initiated. In cases marked with an asterisk (*) provisional anti-dumping measures have, after consultation with member states, been imposed by means of a Commission regulation. Member states will be consulted on all cases when the Commission has completed its investigation on a proposal either to terminate the investigation or to impose definitive anti-dumping measures by means of a Council regulation.
	
		
			  Current European Commission anti-dumping investigations 
			  Product name  Exporting country(ies) 
			 Cathode-ray colour picture tubes People's Republic of China, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand 
			 Recordable compact discs (CD-Rs) People's Republic of China, Hong Kong and Malaysia 
			 Recordable versatile digital disks (DVD+/-R) People's Republic of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan 
			 Footwear with a protective toecap People's Republic of China and India 
			 Ironing Boards People's Republic of China and Ukraine 
			 Pentaerythritol USA, People's Republic of China, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine 
			 Certain plastic sacks and bags People's Republic of China, Malaysia and Thailand 
			 Polyester staple fibres Malaysia and Thailand 
			 Saddles (bicycle) People's Republic of China 
			 Certain seamless pipes and tubes of iron or steel Croatia, Romania, Russia and Ukraine 
			 Silicon carbide Romania 
			 Strawberries (frozen) People's Republic of China 
			 Certain prepared or preserved sweet corn in kernels Thailand 
			 Side-by-side refrigerators Korea 
			 Chamois Leather* People's Republic of China 
			 Certain footwear with uppers of leather* People's Republic of China and Vietnam 
			 Lever arch mechanisms* People's Republic of China 
			 Refrigerators (side by side)* Korea 
			 Certain tungsten electrodes People's Republic of China

EU Exports

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the percentage of EU exports to Vietnam coming from  (a) the UK,  (b) Germany,  (c) France and  (d) Italy in 2005.

Ian McCartney: Information on the shares of EU exports of goods to Vietnam in 2005 is given in the following table:
	
		
			  Shares of EU25 exports of goods to Vietnam—2005 
			   Percentage 
			 Germany 28.9 
			 France 16.6 
			 Italy 11.6 
			 UK 6.3 
			 EU25 Total 100.0 
			  Source: Eurostat Intra and Extra EU Trade (Comext).

EU Exports

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the percentage of EU exports to China which came from  (a) the UK,  (b) Germany,  (c) France and  (d) Italy in 2005.

Ian McCartney: Information on the shares of EU exports of goods to China in 2005 is given in the following table:
	
		
			  Shares of EU25 exports of goods to China—2005 
			   Percentage 
			 Germany 41.0 
			 France 12.5 
			 Italy 8.9 
			 UK 7.9 
			 EU25 total 100.0 
			  Source: Eurostat Intra and Extra EU Trade (Comext)

European Energy

Kitty Ussher: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether his Department has undertaken research on the extent to which other European Union countries  (a) are self-sufficient in gas and oil production and  (b) have nuclear power stations.

Malcolm Wicks: The Department's preferred approach when making international comparisons with other EU countries is to rely on data compiled by the International Energy Agency (the IEA) or the European Commission. The IEA conducts periodic reviews of member countries' energy policies, which are published in a variety of forms. A review of a member country's energy policies will typically include an analysis of supply, demand and energy mix including whether the country uses nuclear power to generate electricity.

Franchising

John Penrose: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps  (a) to examine the contents of his Department's file originally referenced as FT851 and  (b) to re-examine his Department's view that the two master franchiser companies in the UK of a foreign-based franchise-trading scheme were both exempt from the provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1973 Part XI and its amendments, including the Trading Schemes Act 1996.

Ian McCartney: The matter has been reviewed and it remains the Department's view that it is possible for two identical but separate trading schemes, each with one master franchiser and a number of franchisees at the same level below that franchiser to operate in the UK in such a fashion as to be exempt from the provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1973 Part XI and its amendments, including the Trading Schemes Act 1996.

Furniture Industry

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what advice and support his Department has given to the furniture industry; and if he will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge: Since September 2003 UK First, the Furniture Industry Forum, has been supported by DTI with £1.75 million over 41.5 years, to introduce productivity and process improvements to the sector. Savings to date for companies in the sector have exceeded £2.5 million. We also supported the establishment of the Furniture Industry Strategy Group in 2003 to help the sector to address key areas affecting productivity and competitiveness. The Strategy Group has led to the establishment recently of the British Furniture Confederation which is working to promote the interests of the sector.

Grant Applications

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will put in place measures to ensure that where, during any grant application process,  (a) a person and  (b) a business discloses required technical innovation information to a UK Government official outside the Patent Office, prior to a related UK patent application, that patent cannot subsequently be invalidated on the grounds of public disclosure; and if he will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge: The sharing of technical information with UK Government officials does not constitute public disclosure.
	UK Government officials have a duty to protect all confidential information they receive in the course of their duties. This responsibility extends to unprotected intellectual property disclosed during the process of applying for Government grants. Staff employed by non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) have the same duty of confidentiality.
	In the case of external advisers, confidentiality agreements are in place to ensure there is no public disclosure.
	No further measures are needed and I have no plans to make a statement.

Illegal Internet Traffic

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what guidance his Department has issued to internet service providers on their responsibilities for illegal traffic hosted on their networks.

Margaret Hodge: The Department works closely with internet service providers, both in a number of initiatives to deal with disruptive internet traffic such as spam, and to combat illegal content such as child abuse images.
	In matters regarding internet content, the general law applies on-line as it does off-line. For example, the Obscene Publications Act 1959 applies to material published on the internet and the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 extended the laws on obscenity to cover material available on computer networks. Similarly laws relating to such subjects as sales of goods, copyright and libel, apply on-line as much as off-line.
	The Department provides guidance to industry, including ISPs, on its website regarding the Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002 (http://www.dti. gov.uk/sectors/ictpolicy/ecommsdirective/ecommosdirectiveguidance/page10142.html) which, under certain circumstances, exempt on-line service providers from liability for information they host until they are made aware of it, at which point they are required to act expeditiously to remove or disable access to it.

Illegal Shipments

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has undertaken investigations into recent illegal shipments of goods between Bangladesh and the UK.

Dawn Primarolo: I have been asked to reply.
	HM Revenue and Customs is responsible for investigating alleged illegal importation of goods into the UK, and they inform me that some 10,800 investigations have been mounted in connection with goods unlawfully shipped to the UK from Bangladesh since 2003.

Israel/UK Trade

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he has  (a) taken and  (b) plans to take to increase trade between Israel and the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) provides a range of support services to British companies wishing to trade with or invest in Israel, through commercial teams based in both the UK and the British embassy in Tel Aviv.
	UKTI support focuses, in particular, on business opportunities in high technology sectors, including Biotechnology, Healthcare, Aerospace, Information and Communication Technology, the Environmental Industries and Financial and Legal Services. Recent initiatives have included trade missions to Israel, inward missions by Israeli firms to trade fairs in the UK and promotional events aimed at encouraging Israeli companies to list in London.
	Further information on business with Israel is available on the UKTI Portal at www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk

Miners' Compensation

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many of the vibration white finger claims submitted by the 50 solicitors making the most claims on behalf of miners include a claim for services; and what percentage of the total claim was represented by services in each case.

Malcolm Wicks: The following table of the 50 solicitors who have submitted the most vibration white finger claims provides the number of claims for general damages and services submitted; the number settled by payment; the compensation paid for general damages and services; and the proportion of total compensation represented by services and general damages.
	
		
			  Solicitor  Claims registered  Services claims registered  Settled by payment (gens and services)  Total damages (settled claims) (£) 
			 Thompsons Solicitors 21,050 11,605 4,169 74,333,218 
			 Browell Smith & Co 16,468 1,934 333 5,796,532 
			 Beresfords Solicitors 11,632 2,238 530 8,195,951 
			 Union of Democratic Mineworkers 11,545 3,200 1,634 23,150,459 
			 Raleys Solicitors 11,277 3,168 898 16,258,451 
			 Hugh James 10,637 2,825 794 14,882,433 
			 Graysons Solicitors 8,700 4,011 1,200 18,347,624 
			 Moss Solicitors 7,295 1,322 381 5,509,686 
			 Watson Burton 5,936 2,589 637 11,419,587 
			 Ashton Morton Slack Solicitors 5,382 459 56 928,979 
			 Towells Solicitors 5,346 1,472 636 11,409,042 
			 Kidd & Spoor Harper Solicitors 3,670 927 151 3,242,860 
			 Atteys 3,095 1,333 548 11,221,073 
			 O H Parsons & Partners Solicitors 2,702 333 49 745,673 
			 Corries 2,376 1,250 255 5,202,149 
			 Irwin Mitchell Solicitors-Sheffield 2,363 1,100 468 8,261,755 
			 Shaw & Co 2,263 1,224 355 7,519,165 
			 Saffmans Solicitors 2,233 478 165 3,353,502 
			 Capital Law 1,884 235 63 1,441,681 
			 Latham & Co Solicitors 1,842 1,067 418 6,897,197 
			 McLeish Carswell 1,628 106 48 1,072,298 
			 Oxley & Coward Solicitors 1,575 546 209 4,405,261 
			 Randell Lloyd Jenkins & Martin 1,515 542 93 1,476,855 
			 Mortons Solicitors 1,504 217 60 1,138,930 
			 T S Edwards & Son Solicitors 1,440 233 83 1,764,131 
			 Hickmotts Solicitors 1,363 43 9 141,821 
			 Morisons Solicitors 1,188 409 101 2,415,435 
			 Thompson & Co Solicitors 1,161 538 219 4,799,294 
			 Marrons 1,160 183 49 963,341 
			 German Hamilton Solicitors 1,113 635 213 4,235,819 
			 Hopkins 981 603 344 6,660,643 
			 Meloy Whittle Robinson 816 167 22 395,277 
			 Keeble Hawson Moorhouse 813 220 128 2,443,407 
			 The Legal Warehouse 796 309 178 1,817,887 
			 Furley Page 738 64 23 387,933 
			 Gabb & Co 630 243 34 812,878 
			 Endlars Solicitors 601 219 57 1,057,522 
			 Russell Young Solicitors 587 0 0 — 
			 Frank Allen Pennington Solicitors 513 218 64 1,131,401 
			 Gorvin Smith Fort 446 113 19 408,782 
			 Branton Bridge 396 34 8 87,572 
			 Mincoffs 367 187 78 1,773,901 
			 Ross Harper Solicitors 347 21 9 211,710 
			 Blackett Hart and Pratt Solicitors 338 196 61 1,219,824 
			 Wake Smith 334 62 22 400,423 
			 Holmes & Hills Solicitors 318 1 0 — 
			 Robinson King Solicitors 300 61 13 292,938 
			 Simpson Millar Solicitors 285 81 18 313,442 
			 McConville O'Neill 276 72 16 236,468 
			 Treanors Solicitors 271 79 32 803,960 
			 Total 161,496 49,172 15,950 280,986,172 
		
	
	
		
			  Solicitor  Services damages (£)  General damages (£)  Percentage services damages  Percentage general damages 
			 Thompsons Solicitors 36,885,625 37,447,594 50 50 
			 Browell Smith & Co 2,877,322 2,919,210 50 50 
			 Beresfords Solicitors 3,844,792 4,351,159 47 53 
			 Union of Democratic Mineworkers 10,266,304 12,884,154 44 56 
			 Raleys Solicitors 8,659,167 7,599,284 53 47 
			 Hugh James 7,623,440 7,258,994 51 49 
			 Graysons Solicitors 9,528,540 8,819,084 52 48 
			 Moss Solicitors 2,484,429 3,025,257 45 55 
			 Watson Burton 5,925,283 5,494,304 52 48 
			 Ashton Morton Slack Solicitors 461,019 467,960 50 50 
			 Towells Solicitors 5,652,285 5,756,757 50 50 
			 Kidd & Spoor Harper Solicitors 1,678,389 1,564,471 52 48 
			 Atteys 5,701,758 5,519,314 51 49 
			 O H Parsons & Partners Solicitors 349,624 396,049 47 53 
			 Corries 2,809,171 2,392,979 54 46 
			 Irwin Mitchell Solicitors-Sheffield 4,075,402 4,186,353 49 51 
			 Shaw & Co 3,549,870 3,969,295 47 53 
			 Saffmans Solicitors 1,689,997 1,663,505 50 50 
			 Capital Law 697,426 744,255 48 52 
			 Latham & Co Solicitors 3,212,640 3,684,557 47 53 
			 McLeish Carswell 522,399 549,899 49 51 
			 Oxley & Coward Solicitors 2,373,430 2,031,831 54 46 
			 Randell Lloyd Jenkins & Martin 666,171 810,684 45 55 
			 Mortons Solicitors 561,120 577,810 49 51 
			 T S Edwards & Son Solicitors 884,261 879,871 50 50 
			 Hickmotts Solicitors 70,030 71,792 49 51 
			 Morisons Solicitors 1,296,521 1,118,914 54 46 
			 Thompson & Co Solicitors 2,323,633 2,475,661 48 52 
			 Marrons 496,006 467,336 51 49 
			 German Hamilton Solicitors 2,049,870 2,185,949 48 52 
			 Hopkins 3,353,323 3,307,320 50 50 
			 Meloy Whittle Robinson 191,464 203,812 48 52 
			 Keeble Hawson Moorhouse 1,231,265 1,212,142 50 50 
			 The Legal Warehouse 811,987 1,005,900 45 55 
			 Furley Page 164,453 223,480 42 58 
			 Gabb & Co 422,823 390,055 52 48 
			 Endlars Solicitors 527,823 529,699 50 50 
			 Russell Young Solicitors — — 0 0 
			 Frank Allen Pennington Solicitors 596,134 535,266 53 47 
			 Gorvin Smith Fort 198,410 210,372 49 51 
			 Branton Bridge 37,611 49,962 43 57 
			 Mincoffs 810,020 963,881 46 54 
			 Ross Harper Solicitors 126,631 85,079 60 40 
			 Blackett Hart and Pratt Solicitors 569,363 650,461 47 53 
			 Wake Smith 176,763 223,660 44 56 
			 Holmes & Hills Solicitors — — 0 0 
			 Robinson King Solicitors 137,101 155,837 47 53 
			 Simpson Millar Solicitors 148,953 164,489 48 52 
			 McConville O'Neill 131,312 105,156 56 44 
			 Treanors Solicitors 408,174 395,786 51 49 
			 Total 139,259,535 141,726,638 50 50

Noise-induced Hearing Loss

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to the answer of 26 April 2006,  Official Report, column 1125W, on noise-induced hearing loss (mining), how many of the agreements had fixed costs in excess of £1,000 per claim.

Malcolm Wicks: One agreement had fixed costs in excess of £1,000 per claim.

Npower Renewables

David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what level of public funding the company Npower Renewables will receive in connection with the development and operation of the Rhyl Flats offshore wind farm.

Malcolm Wicks: Npower Renewables will receive a capital grant of £10 million towards the development of the Rhyl Flats offshore wind farm.
	The Government have committed a total of £107 million in grant support towards the capital installation of 11 early offshore wind farm developments.

Npower Renewables

David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the company Npower Renewables have applied for public funding in respect of the development of the proposed Gwent y Mor offshore wind farm.

Malcolm Wicks: Npower Renewables have not made an application for public funding for the Gwent y Mor offshore wind farm.

Nuclear Safety

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research has been conducted by his Department into the threat posed to the stability of coastally-located licensed nuclear sites from  (a) coastal erosion and  (b) inundation due to sea level rise.

Malcolm Wicks: The DTI does not conduct research into the threat to coastally-located licensed sites from coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rises.
	Operators such as British Nuclear Group and British Energy are responsible for flood defences and coastal erosion at nuclear sites. Nearly all the sites are situated on the coast and rest behind sea defences, which are maintained to a very high standard. Reviews are made periodically to monitor long-term protection, and regional shoreline management plans have been developed on behalf of the coastal authorities.

Parcelforce

Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the options for the long-term ownership structure of Parcelforce.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Government have made it clear that it will not privatise Royal Mail. Parcelforce is an operating division of Royal Mail (and there are no plans to privatise it).

Patent Applications

Mark Prisk: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many patent applications were made by  (a) individuals and  (b) small and medium sized enterprises in each of the last three years; and in how many of these cases an application had previously been made for Government grant support.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The number of UK patent applications filed by individuals in each of the last three years was 10,292 in 2003, 9,626 in 2004 and 8,624 in 2005. Patent law does not require applicants for patents, where they are not individuals, to disclose the size of their company, and so the Patent Office does not have data on the number of small and medium sized enterprises which applied. Moreover, information is not held centrally which would show in how many of these cases the patent applicants have also previously applied for Government grants. This information can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Pensioners (Internet Access)

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate his Department has made of the number of pensioners who  (a) have and  (b) do not have access to internet services in (i) England and (ii) Beverley and Holderness; and if he will make a statement.

Margaret Hodge: The Department does not collect information of this nature. However, the Office for National Statistics provides statistics regarding internet access broken down by region and age group on its website (http://www.statistics.gov.uk/).

Personal Debt

Lembit �pik: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps the Government are taking to reduce levels of personal debt; and if he will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: holding answer 25 May 2006
	Personal debt has risen substantially over the last 10 years, both in real terms and as a proportion of income. By the end of 2005 borrowing stood at approximately 1.3tn, or 151 per cent. of income. This compares to a real value of 530 billion in 1995, or 75 per cent. of income.
	Despite these significant rises in the uptake of borrowing in the UK we do not believe that personal debt constitutes a major problem. The large majority of consumers continue to use credit in a productive and prudent way.
	However, the Government recognise that for a small but significant number of individuals debt causes serious problems. Current estimates suggest that the number of individuals experiencing such debt problems stands at around 5 per cent. of the adult population.
	In recognition of these problems we are doing much to help those with personal debt problems as outlined in the Government's 2004 Tackling Over-indebtedness: Action Plan and the subsequent 2005 Annual Report. DTI examples include the recently launched 45 million Face-to-Face Debt Advice Project, which will result in hundreds of new debt advisers, and the multi-million pound support given to the National Debtline phone service.
	The DTI also recognizes that over-indebtedness is an issue that can only be resolved through the close co-operation of a number of different Government bodies, and actively supports programmes by other Departments including major financial education policies currently being implemented by the Financial Services Authority and Department for Education and Skills.
	Furthermore, the DTI is committed to the continued monitoring of the over- indebtedness picture in the UK and will report again in early 2007 on the extent of the problem.

Post Office

Clive Efford: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what capital assets have been transferred from public ownership to private companies under the post office franchise arrangements.

Barry Gardiner: Transfers of capital assets are operational matters for Post Office Ltd. and details are commercially confidential. However, I understand that the company's chief operating officer has written to the hon. Member about this and other matters he has raised about post office franchising arrangements, and that a meeting has also been arranged with him.

Private Copying Levy

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the merits of a private copying levy on blank recording media and devices; and if he will make a statement.

Jim Fitzpatrick: No assessment of the merits of private copying levies on blank recording media and devices has been made since the introduction of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act in 1988 in the UK. However, the European Commission has commissioned a study which will look at the whole body of copyright legislation in Europe and has indicated it will review levies in 2007. Currently, the Gowers Review of Intellectual Property is looking at the whole UK IP framework, and analysing a number of copyright issues, including private copying. The Review will report to Government in the autumn.

Royal Mail

Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to change the rules which prevent the Royal Mail taking out a fully commercial loan from the private sector.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Changes to guidelines on the ability of public sector bodies to borrow from the private sector are a matter for the Treasury. The Treasury's policy on commercial lending is set out in DAO GEN1304 and can be found at: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/meddia/698/21/6982130E-BCDC-D4B3-lC19D3292B571825.pdf

Royal Mail

Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether any of the operating profit made by the Royal Mail in the 2005-06 financial year will be returned to the Government.

Jim Fitzpatrick: None of Royal Mail's operating profit will be returned to the Government.

Royal Mail

Charles Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the statement by Adam Crozier, chief executive of the Royal Mail, that he could meet the legal obligations for post office service provision with approximately 4,000 post office branches.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The minimum legal obligations for post office service provision are determined according to the universal service obligations set by the postal services regulator, Postcomm and are reflected in Royal Mail's licence. The Royal Mail chief executive's reference to a network of 4,000 post office branches reflects a hypothetical network geared solely towards fulfilling licence criteria for provision of mail services. However, the Government's track record shows that it has made a substantial investment in the post office network in recognition of the many more services it provides, for example access to cash and other Government services.

Sunday Trading

David Lepper: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he received on the Sunday Trading Act 1994 from  (a) retailers and  (b) others prior to 13 January.

Ian McCartney: On 14 November the then Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announced that he was asking officials to carry out a full cost benefit analysis of the scope for further liberalisation of Sunday trading. This led to representations from a range of stakeholders, including retailers.

Sunday Trading

David Lepper: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research his Department has  (a) conducted and  (b) plans to conduct on the likely impact of proposed changes to the Sunday Trading Act 1994 on shops of under 3,000 square feet.

Ian McCartney: The DTI appointed Indepen Consulting Ltd. to produce an economic cost benefit analysis of easing the restrictions on Sunday shopping. We published Indepen's report on 5 May on the DTI website:
	www.dti.gov.uk/consumers/buying-selling/Sunday%20Shopping
	This includes analysis of the impact on small and large stores.
	From 13 January to 14 April we asked for views and evidence on all aspects of extending Sunday shop opening hours. We are currently analysing the large number of responses we received. We intend to publish a summary of the responses on the DTI website within three months of the close of this consultation. Ministers and officials also met with a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives of small retailers, to discuss Sunday shopping.
	In addition, on 8 February the DTI held a focus group for small retailers specifically exploring the impact of liberalising Sunday shopping. We intend to publish a report of this event on our website shortly.
	Also, on 10 May the DTI held a stakeholder conference where Indepen presented their cost benefit analysis and participants were able to discuss the assumptions and findings. This was followed by optional forums on specific themes; one of the themes was the impact on the retail sector. We intend to publish a report of this event on our website shortly.
	Should we decide to proceed with the review of the current legislation restricting Sunday shopping hours, we will formally consult.

UK Trade and Investment

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the Government have any plans to give regional development agencies any greater control over UK Trade and Investment's remit in respect of inward investment.

Ian McCartney: No. We have no plans to alter current arrangements involving UKTI's leadership of the UK inward investment network through the Committee on Overseas Promotion.

UK Trade Targets

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list his targets relevant to UK trade with  (a) India,  (b) China,  (c) the EU and  (d) the USA.

Ian McCartney: In 2004, DTI's Five Year Programme set the framework to create the right conditions for business success, including when trading with other nation states. The relevant targets to UK trade with the countries listed that underpin this are:
	1. PSA 3: To promote fair competitive markets by ensuring that the UK framework for competition and for consumer empowerment and support is at the level of the best by 2008, measuring the effectiveness of the regime through international comparisons, supported by a broader evidence base.
	2. PSA 5: To ensure that the EU secures significant reductions in EU and world trade barriers by 2008 leading to improved opportunities for developing countries and a more competitive Europe. Joint with the Department for International Development (DfID).
	3. PSA 8: To deliver by 2008 a measurable improvement in the business performance of UK Trade and Investment's international trade customers, with an emphasis on new to export firms; and maintain the UK as the prime location in the EU for foreign direct investment. Joint with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Union Recognition (Retail Industry)

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the number and percentage of relevant employees who are members of unions which are formally recognised by retailers.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Unfortunately the DTI does not hold this type of information.

VAT De-registration

Alan Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many VAT de-registrations there were in the retail sector in the county of Northumberland in each year since 1995.

Margaret Hodge: Information on VAT de-registrations in the retail sector in Northumberland for 1994 to 2004 (2005 figures are not yet available) is set out as follows:
	
		
			  Analysis showing the count of VAT de-registrations in Northumberland County SIC2003 Division 52-Retail, data taken as at May 2005 
			   Northumberland County 
			 1995 130 
			 1996 120 
			 1997 110 
			 1998 100 
			 1999 105 
			 2000 85 
			 2001 95 
			 2002 105 
			 2003 105 
			 2004 100 
			  Notes: The figures presented here are at enterprise level and roughly equate to the number of independent retail shops. The data also differ slightly from those published by the Small Business Service (SBS) as adjustments for death lags have been applied only to the published data. Further information on business start ups and closures can be found in the National Statistics publication VAT Registrations and De-registrations: Business Start-ups and Closures available on the SBS website: www.sbs.gov.uk  Source: Office of National Statistics. IDBR

Venezualan Discounted Oil

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 
	(1)  if he will make a statement on the President of Venezuala's offer of subsidised oil for London;
	(2)  what account he has taken of the offer from the President of Venezuela to supply London with oil at a discount in the Government's review of energy policy; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: If Venezuela wishes to supply oil or oil products at discounted rates to the UK that is a commercial decision for Venezuela. But we are not presently aware of any firm commitment by the Government of Venezuela to do so. In the absence of this and any specific details I am unable to speculate on the potential implications for UK energy supplies.

CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Bullying/Harassment

David Simpson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs pursuant to the answer of 18 April 2006,  Official Report, column 43W, on harassment, what assessment she has made of the reasons for the change in  (a) the number of complaints of bullying in the last year and  (b) the percentage of complaints of bullying that have been upheld in the last year; what anti-bullying measures were in place in each of the last three years; and what new anti-bullying measures have been introduced following the increase in the number of upheld complaints of bullying in the last year.

Harriet Harman: The information is as follows:
	 (a) In the last year 21 complaints of bullying were made.
	 (b) The percentage of those complaints that were upheld was 61 per cent.
	 (c) Over the last three years the Department for Constitutional Affairs has taken the following anti-bullying measures:
	In 2002 the Department for Constitutional Affairs trained all staff in raising awareness of equality and diversity issues.
	In 2003 the Department for Constitutional Affairs introduced a policy of zero tolerance of certain sorts of unacceptable behaviour, including bullying and all forms of discriminatory behaviour.
	In 2004 Workplace Mediation was introduced across the Department. This offers an informal way to resolve disputes between people who work together, with the assistance of trained mediators.

Coroners' Inquests

Norman Baker: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many inquests are open in each coroner's area in England.

Harriet Harman: Data collected as part of coroners' regular annual statistical returns include the number of cases reported to coroners which have proceeded or will proceed to inquest, the number of inquests held, and the outcome of those inquests. Coroners are also asked to report the number of inquests outstanding at the end of the calendar year, but this figure might also include inquests not yet opened.
	In order to ascertain the number of inquests currently open it would be necessary for every coroner to submit an extraordinary return, which would involve disproportionate cost.

Coroners' Inquests

Norman Baker: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs pursuant to the answer of 3 May 2006, Official Report, column 1667W, on inquests, how many inquests in Oxfordshire are open; and how many of these were opened in each month from January 2000 to date.

Harriet Harman: This information is not collected centrally and to obtain it would incur disproportionate cost.

Departmental Expenditure

David Simpson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many staff from her Department attended the Civil Service Islamic Society Eid-Ul-Adha event in London in 2005; and what the total cost was to her Department of their attendance.

Harriet Harman: I refer the hon. Member to the letter to him by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Copies of her letter have been placed in the Library.

Electoral Registration

Oliver Heald: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what checks local electoral registration departments are required to make of individuals'  (a) nationality and  (b) eligibility to vote when they receive applications to go on the electoral roll from foreign nationals residing in the UK.

Bridget Prentice: Entitlement to vote in elections in the UK is based in large part on nationality but is not restricted only to those holding British citizenship. In recent years the addition of a nationality box in the registration form provides an opportunity for electoral registration officers (EROs), who would otherwise have no reason to know, to determine an individual's eligibility for inclusion on the basis of their stated nationality. Electoral registers are available for public inspection and anyone who believes that an ineligible person has been included may object and notify the ERO who may then make further inquiries as to the eligibility of that individual. The Electoral Administration Bill, currently under consideration, strengthens the objection process and creates a new offence of supplying false information of any kind to an ERO, or failing to supply information, in connection with registration.

Magistrates Courts

Mark Harper: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what her Department's policy is on local provision of magistrates courts.

Harriet Harman: The Government are committed to provide through their Executive Agency, Her Majesty's Court Service (HMCS), a modern high quality court service to local communities. This includes mobile court services, and the use of alternative venues for court hearings.

Postal Voting

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs 
	(1)  what estimate she has made of the number of postal votes that did not arrive at the home of the elector in each set of local elections in England since 2000;
	(2)  how many postal votes in each set of local elections in England since 2000 were cast fraudulently.

Bridget Prentice: The Government do not hold this information.
	Estimating the number of postal votes that did not arrive at electors' addresses would require every elector with an undelivered postal vote to report this to their local authority, who would in turn have to report a figure to central Government. Estimating how many postal votes were cast fraudulently would require a full knowledge of the nature of every postal vote cast at an election, whether fraudulently or not.
	The Government take election fraud seriously, and encourage anyone who did not receive their postal vote to report this to their local authority, and if they believe that a postal vote has been cast fraudulently they should report this to the police.

Separating Couples

Mark Oaten: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs if she will make early intervention and mediation mandatory for separating couples; and if she will make a statement.

Harriet Harman: The Government believe that family mediation has significant advantages in resolving disputes, particularly in relation to children. The Government are taking forward a number of measures to give the strongest possible encouragement to mediation as an alternative to contested court proceedings. However, for mediation to be successful both parties have to enter into it freely and without constraint, and therefore the Government do not believe mediation should be made compulsory.
	Under the provisions of the Children and Adoption Bill the courts will be able to direct people in disputes over contact with children to attend contact activities, which will provide a range of interventions including programmes, counselling and classes to facilitate contact and also meetings to receive information about mediation. The court will be able to direct people to the most appropriate intervention for the dispute concerned.

Special Advisers

David Simpson: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how much has been paid in  (a) salary,  (b) travelling expenses,  (c) subsistence allowances and  (d) removal expenses to special advisers in her private office in each of the last five years.

Bridget Prentice: Since 2003, the Government have published on an annual basis the names and overall cost of special advisers and the number in each payband. For information relating to the last financial year I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statement made by my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister, on 21 July 2005,  Official Report, columns 158-61WS. Information on special advisers for this financial year is currently being collected and will be published in the normal way when it is ready.
	All official travel by special advisers is undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Ministerial Code and the Civil Service Management Code.
	Travel and subsistence claims by special advisers are extremely rare. During 2005-06, one travel claim of 13 was made by a special adviser in respect of a taxi journey. Examining previous financial records for any similar claims would have to be done manually and this would incur disproportionate costs.
	The Department for Constitutional Affairs has not paid any removal expenses to special advisers.

Victims Advocate

Ian Austin: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs whether there are any plans to extend the Victims Advocate pilot schemes for murder and manslaughter cases to other types of cases.

Harriet Harman: No. Decisions will be taken about the future of Victims' Advocates scheme when we have assessed the pilot schemes.

Victims Advocate

Ian Austin: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Victims Advocate pilot schemes for murder and manslaughter cases.

Harriet Harman: The pilot schemes have only started recently so I cannot make an assessment of their effectiveness at this stage. The pilots will be independently evaluated.

Victims of Crime

Ian Austin: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs whether  (a) judges and  (b) magistrates are required to meet victims of crime as part of their training process.

Harriet Harman: There is no current requirement on either judges or magistrates to meet victims of crime as part of their training. However, they will be aware of local victim support schemes and local magistrates training often provides an opportunity to groups such as Victim Support, to give information and input as part of a general induction process.
	Victims of crime must be informed of their option to submit a 'Victim Personal Statement' to be read by the judge/magistrates before sentencing. The statement focuses the Court's attention on the effect of the crime upon the victim. Given the number of judges and magistrates that there are nationally, it is quite likely that a number of them, or those personally known to them, have been victims of some form of crime at some point in time.

CABINET OFFICE

Cabinet Committees

Danny Alexander: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when a list of members of the Cabinet Committee on Post Offices will be deposited in the Library.

Hilary Armstrong: My right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister, placed an updated list of Cabinet Committees, including their membership, in the Library on Thursday 25 May.

Committee on Standards in Public Life

Oliver Heald: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what the expenditure was of the Committee on Standards in Public Life in each financial year since its creation; and what the Committee's budget is for  (a) 2006-07 and  (b) 2007-08.

Hilary Armstrong: Resource expenditure incurred by the Committee on Standards in Public Life since its creation to 2005-06 and forward budget is shown in the table.
	
		
			   Expenditure () 
			 1994-95 (1)269,800 
			 1995-96 473,489 
			 1996-97 484,700 
			 1997-98 521,000 
			 1998-99 (2)676,400 
			 1999-2000 447,232 
			 2000-01 419,989 
			 2001-02 448,895 
			 2002-03 (2)638,451 
			 2003-04 480,927 
			 2004-05 475,628 
			 2005-06(3) 573,566 
			 2006-07(4) 577,000 
			 (1) October 1994 to March 1995. (2) This increase in spend reflected the fact that the Committee carried out two parallel inquiries in this particular year. (3) Budget figure. Final outturn figures are not yet available. (4) Budget figure. 
		
	
	Cabinet Office budget allocations for 2007-08 have not yet been finalised.

Merseyrail

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether Merseyrail is classed as a Category 2 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.

Edward Miliband: Merseyrail operates under Section 8 of the Railways Act 1993 and is therefore classed as a Category 2 responder under Part 1 of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. A list of the types of organisations given Category 1 and 2 status can be found in Schedule 1 of the Civil Contingencies Act.
	The roles and responsibilities of Category 1 and 2 responders are described in the Act's supporting guidance Emergency Preparedness. Copies of this document are available in the Library.

Private Sector Fund Recipients

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if she will list the 10 non-public sector entities that have received the largest total sum of payments from her Department in each of the last five years.

Edward Miliband: The 10 non-public sector entities that have received the largest total sum of payments from the Department in each of the last five years are shown as follows:
	 2001-02
	Chessington Computer Services
	Balfour Beatty Refurbishment
	Atos Origin IT Services UK Ltd.
	Computacenter (UK) Ltd.
	HP Ltd.
	Cable  Wireless Communication
	PA Consulting Group
	Capital Business Services Ltd.
	Syntegra
	GSL UK Ltd.
	 2002-03
	Chessington Computer Services
	Computacenter (UK) Ltd.
	Microsoft Ltd.
	Ecovert FM
	HP Ltd.
	Balfour Beatty Refurbishment
	Cable  Wireless Communication
	Atos Origin IT Services UK Ltd.
	Capital Business Services Ltd.
	BT Plc
	 2003-04
	Computacenter (UK) Ltd.
	Ecovert FM
	HP Ltd.
	IT Net
	Capital Business Services Ltd.
	Electronic Data Systems Ltd.
	BT Plc
	Microsoft Ltd.
	City of Westminster
	Atos Origin IT Services UK Ltd.
	 2004-05
	Ecovert FM
	Computacenter (UK) Ltd.
	HP Ltd.
	Electronic Data Systems Ltd.
	BT Plc
	Capital Business Services Ltd.
	Cable  Wireless Communication
	City of Westminster
	Atos Origin IT Services UK Ltd.
	Parity Training Ltd.
	 2005-06
	Ecovert FM
	Hewlett Packard Ltd.
	Electronic Data Systems Ltd.
	Computacenter (UK) Ltd.
	Xansa
	Turner  Townsend Project Management
	Capital Business Services Ltd.
	Atos Origin IT Services UK Ltd.
	City of Westminster
	Cable  Wireless Communication

Sickness Absence

David Simpson: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many Cabinet Office staff have had  (a) five or more,  (b) four,  (c) three and  (d) two periods of sick leave of less than five days in each of the last three years.

Patrick McFadden: The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		
			   5 or more absences lasting less than 5 days  4 absences lasting less than 5 days  3 absences lasting less than 5 days  2 absences lasting less than 5 days 
			 2005 51 52 102 206 
			 2004 64 65 118 219 
			 2003 62 59 125 264 
		
	
	Cabinet Office is committed to managing sick absence effectively by making sure that managers proactively manage sickness absence and that they have the tools and training to do so.

Voluntary Sector

Andrew Turner: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether her responsibility for volunteering and voluntary organisations extends to the churches and other faith organisations.

Edward Miliband: My responsibilities for volunteering and voluntary sector organisations extend to all types of organisations in the Third Sector, including those associated with churches and other faith-based organisations. However, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government leads on general engagement with faith communities.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Advisers/Officials

Norman Baker: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many  (a) special advisers and  (b) full-time equivalent officials will be working for him; and what their tasks will be.

John Prescott: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Members for Reading, East (Mr. Wilson) and for South Swindon (Anne Snelgrove) in the House on 17 May 2006,  Official Report, columns 979-980.
	As a Cabinet Minister, and in accordance with the terms of the Ministerial Code, I have two special advisers to assist me in the discharge of my official duties.

Black/Asian Employees

Keith Vaz: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many  (a) black and Asian and  (b) other people are employed in his press office.

John Prescott: Staffing arrangements to support me in my new role are still being finalised.
	As an interim measure, I am being supported by press officers from the Department for Communities and Local Government.
	Information on staff ethnicity is, in any case, collected only on a voluntary basis.

Dorneywood

Norman Baker: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 
	(1)  if he will list the guests he has entertained at Dorneywood since 1 January 2005.
	(2)  whom he last entertained officially at Dorneywood; and on what date.

John Prescott: This information is not collected centrally.

Ministerial Offices

Oliver Heald: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to the answer to the right hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs. May) of 22 May 2006,  Official Report, column 1385W, on ministerial office/staff, in which Government building his private office is based while administrative support arrangements are being finalised.

John Prescott: My private office is based in an office at 26 Whitehall, as it has been since September 2002.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Mark Harper: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what official duties he carried out in 2006 in furtherance of his role to promote the interest of the North across Government; and whether he has retained this responsibility within Government since 4 May.

John Prescott: My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister set out details of my new role and responsibilities in his answer of 17 May 2006,  Official Report, column 985W. It is a wide-ranging brief, focusing on improving the effectiveness of policy development across Government and carrying out international duties on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister. As part of this cross-cutting brief, I shall continue to champion the interests of the North in all aspects of the Government's work.
	So far this year, I have visited a number of towns and cities in the North of England, to see for myself the progress that has been made since 1997 in regenerating our cities and making them places where people want to live and work. I am also very proud of the advances being made in growing the North's economy, improving its local environments and providing affordable and decent housing, for example through initiatives such as Housing Market Renewal Pathfinders and the Northern Way, which have demonstrated how the public, private and voluntary sectors can work together towards a common vision for creating sustainable communities. For instance, I continue to follow with interest the pilot projects being taken forward by the Northern Way, with funds from the 100 million Northern Way Growth Fund, to demonstrate how things can be done differently in the North to improve people's lives and how the 1.2 billion Housing Market Renewal Fund continues to turn around neighbourhoods which people were previously leaving, but where house prices have now doubled.
	The Government and our partners have achieved a lot, but we are aware of the need to deliver even more, and to ensure we narrow the economic gap between north and south. We need to work across Government Departments to maximise the benefits of our policies. My new role will enable me to ensure that Cabinet Committees work even more effectively to deliver more integrated solutions across the full range of Government programmes and spending.

Ministerial Standards

Norman Baker: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what role he has in overseeing the efficient development of Government policy on ensuring ministerial standards within Government are maintained and improved.

John Prescott: I refer the hon. Member to the written answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 17 May 2006,  Official Report, column 985W, which sets out the responsibilities the Prime Minister has asked me to fulfil.

Official Engagements

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what domestic official engagements he will carry out in his new role.

John Prescott: My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister set out the new responsibilities that he has asked me to undertake in his answer of 17 May 2006,  Official Report, column 985W. I shall carry out domestic engagements as appropriate to best enable me to fulfil this new role.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Academies (West Midlands)

Jeremy Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many academies there are in the West Midlands region; and how many are planned.

Jim Knight: There is one Academy open currently in the West Midlands: Walsall Academy in Walsall. There are two Academies currently being built: Grace Academy in Solihull and Sandwell Academy in Sandwell, both due to open in September this year. There are five Academies in the feasibility stage of development in Herefordshire, Sandwell, Coventry, Staffordshire and Solihull. Discussions are currently taking place for a further nine potential Academy projects in Birmingham and Dudley.

Adult Education

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the potential effects of his skills strategy on adult education in Liverpool.

Phil Hope: The Government's skills strategy is aimed at supporting low skilled adults to acquire basic skills and progress to level 2 and above, and ensuring employers have the skills they need to compete effectively. The strategy is vital to our continued economic success, and is supported by a funding strategy which gives clear priority to these areas.
	Funding for colleges and other providers in Liverpool will be confirmed shortly, and will reflect these priorities for the funding of adult learning, as well as safeguarding funding for Personal and Community Development Learning. The Learning and Skills Council will continue to work closely with local colleges and other providers to review local provision, and to ensure that there continues to be a wide range of choice for learners in all areas.

Alcohol/Drugs

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps are being taken to educate young people on the adverse effects of  (a) alcohol and  (b) drugs.

Jim Knight: All maintained schools must provide drug education, including information about alcohol, as part of the National Curriculum. We recommend that schools deliver drug and alcohol education through the non-statutory framework for Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE).
	Since 2003, we have supported over 5,000 teachers in the PSHE certificate for teachers which supports standards in the teaching of drug and alcohol education. Over 2,000 teachers will be supported in 2006-07. We have also issued comprehensive guidance to schools on drugs including alcohol to help schools deliver more effective drug and alcohol education.
	Together with the Home Office and the Department for Health, DfES is supporting the FRANK campaign which provides information, support and advice for young people on drugs and alcohol.

Asiatic Languages

Maria Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to his answer of 17 May 2006,  Official Report, columns 967-8W, on Asiatic languages, how many students have been awarded  (a) GCSE and  (b) A-level examination grades A to C in (i) Chinese, (ii) Arabic and (iii) Japanese since 1994.

Jim Knight: The information requested can be found as follows:
	
		
			  (a) GCSE Full Course attempts and achievements of 15 year old pupils( 1) , 1994-2005( 2) 
			   Number of entries  Number achieving A*-C  Percentage achieving A*-C 
			  Chinese
			 2005 822 768 93.4 
			 2004 1,748 1,651 94.5 
			 2003 1,686 1,623 96.3 
			 2002 1,443 1,384 95.9 
			 2001 1,348 1,289 95.6 
			 2000 1,190 1,142 96.0 
			 1999 1,193 1,124 94.2 
			 1998 1,257 1,198 95.3 
			 1997 1,204 1,118 92.9 
			 1996 1,135 1,042 91.8 
			 1995 1,093 1,002 91.7 
			 1994 925 861 93.1 
			 
			  Arabic
			 2005 1,072 806 75.2 
			 2004 1,215 886 72.9 
			 2003 1,297 958 73.9 
			 2002 1,078 812 75.3 
			 2001 977 742 75.9 
			 2000 855 657 76.8 
			 1999 755 573 75.9 
			 1998 645 493 76.4 
			 1997 641 471 73.5 
			 1996 517 387 74.9 
			 1995 434 331 76.3 
			 1994 437 323 73.9 
			 
			  Japanese
			 2005 622 462 74.3 
			 2004 648 565 87.2 
			 2003 557 522 93.7 
			 2002 512 472 92.2 
			 2001 485 444 91.5 
			 2000 423 404 95.5 
			 1999 336 316 94.0 
			 1998 246 234 95.1 
			 1997 278 254 91.4 
			 1996 283 247 87.3 
			 1995 259 238 91.9 
			 1994 199 159 79.9 
			 (1) Age at start of academic year i.e. 31 August.  (2) Includes attempts and achievement by these pupils in previous academic years. 
		
	
	
		
			  (b) GCE A level attempts and achievements of 16-18 year old students( 1) , 1994-2005 
			   Number of entries  Number achieving A - C  Percentage achieving A - C 
			 Chinese
			 2005 1,607 1,516 94.3 
			 2004 1,677 1,586 94.6 
			 2003 1,496 1,420 94.9 
			 2002 1,400 1,311 93.6 
			 2001 1,102 1,017 92.3 
			 2000 1,185 833 70.3 
			 1999 1,122 791 70.5 
			 1998 1,017 754 74.1 
			 1997 826 581 70.3 
			 1996 920 658 71.5 
			 1995 693 501 72.3 
			 1994 624 464 74.4 
			 
			 Arabic(2)
			 2005 259 225 86.9 
			 2004 218 186 85.3 
			 2003 181 159 87.8 
			 2002 188 160 85.1 
			 2001 167 112 67.1 
			 
			  Japanese
			 2005 199 210 94.8 
			 2004 184 203 90.6 
			 2003 214 232 92.2 
			 2002 179 201 89.1 
			 2001 176 183 96.2 
			 2000 204 273 74.7 
			 1999 227 279 81.4 
			 1998 236 317 74.4 
			 1997 229 282 81.2 
			 1996 198 277 71.5 
			 1995 229 282 81.2 
			 1994 170 245 69.4 
			 (1) Age at start of academic year i.e. 31st August.  (2) Please note that data on Arabic are not available prior to 2001.

Children's Homes

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many children's homes have  (a) closed and  (b) been de-registered by the Commission for Social Care Inspection in each of the last three years.

Parmjit Dhanda: I understand from the Chair of the Commission for Social Care Inspection that the number of children's homes de-registered for the last three years is as shown in the following table:
	
		
			  Inspection Year (1 April to 31 March)  Children's homes de-registered 
			 2003-04 203 
			 2004-05 220 
			 2005-06 284 
		
	
	De-registrations occur for a number of reasons, including: the voluntary closure of a home; enforced closure resulting from regulatory action; change of ownership; and change in the category of service provided. However, as details relating to the reason for de-registration are not recorded, the information requested on closures cannot be provided.

Departmental Bills (Amendments)

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the occasions when an amendment has been moved by  (a) a Labour backbencher,  (b) an Opposition backbencher and  (c) an Opposition front bench spokesman to a Bill sponsored by his Department that has been accepted by his Department during the current session; and if he will make a statement.

Parmjit Dhanda: The Department for Education and Skills has sponsored the following Bills during the current session: the Children and Adoption Bill, the Childcare Bill, the Education and Inspections Bill, and the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Bill.
	Information on amendments moved and accepted during the Committee and Report Stage on these Bills is published in the  Official Report.

Education Spending

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much was spent on education for pupils aged  (a) five to 10,  (b) 11 to 15 and  (c) 16 years and over in (i) Cornwall and (ii) England in each year since 2002.

Jim Knight: The Department does not collect the information in the form requested. However, the following table gives a breakdown of the available information. The information for 2005-06 is not due to be collected until August 2006.
	
		
			   
			   2002-03  2003-04  2004-05 
			  Cornwall LA
			 Primary(1) 103,587,000 117,504,000 122,296,000 
			 Secondary(2) 107,661,000 129,068,000 134,689,000 
			 Other(3) 26,214,000 43,193,000 47,770,000 
			 
			  England
			 Primary(1) 11,116,730,000 12,097,710,000 2,640,294,000 
			 Secondary(2) 11,020,969,000 12,408,018,000 13,259,547,000 
			 Other(3) 3,087,400,000 4,156,160,000 4,433,327,000 
			 (1) Includes net current expenditure incurred directly by local authority maintained primary schools as well as any central local authority expenditure which can be attributed specifically to primary schools. (2) Includes net current expenditure incurred directly by local authority maintained secondary schools as well as any central local authority expenditure which can be attributed specifically to secondary schools. (3) Includes central spending by the LA that cannot be directly attributed to a specific school sector. Includes pupil support, private/voluntary/independent provision of education for under-fives, independent/non-maintained schools fees, education out of school, home to school transport, home to college transport (16-18), schools meals/milk, central administration, other support services, teacher development and HE/FE sources run on behalf of the authority.  Notes: 1. Does not include any capital expenditure from revenue (CERA).  2. Cash figures as reported by local authorities in their section 52 Out-turn Statements as at 25 May 2006. 3. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 1,000.

Educational Funding

Paddy Tipping: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when he expects schools in Nottinghamshire to receive funding from the Building Schools for the Future programme.

Jim Knight: In February 2005, we informed Nottinghamshire that it has been allocated five Building Schools for the Future projects. The programme was prioritised on the educational and social needs of geographically coherent groupings of schools proposed by authorities. The following table gives details of when each of Nottinghamshire's groupings is currently expected to be invited to join the national programme. This timetable is subject to future public spending decisions.
	
		
			  BSF Tranche  Area  Estimated year 
			 B Rural Coalfields-phase 1 2006-07 to 2008-09 
			 C Ashfield North Broxtowe 2009-10 to 2011-12 
			 D Rural Coalfields-phase 2 2012-13 to 2014-15 
			 E South Nottinghamshire-phase 1 2015-16 to 2017-18 
			 E South Nottinghamshire-phase 2 2015-16 to 2017-18

Green Corns

Janet Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what representations he has received about the children's home operator Green Corns.

Parmjit Dhanda: My predecessor met with six Members of Parliament from the West Midlands in June 2005 to discuss concerns raised by their constituents about specific proposals by Green Corns to develop children's homes in the West Midlands. In April 2006, my predecessor was contacted by my hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton, South-West (Rob Marris) and the Black Country Action Group about the issues raised by the development of children's homes, by providers such as Green Corns, and how these would be considered as part of the review of the Children's Homes National Minimum Standards.

Independent Children's Homes

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many  (a) planned and  (b) unannounced inspections of independent children's homes took place in 2005.

Parmjit Dhanda: I understand from the Chair of the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) that the Commission does not collect the data requested by calendar year. However, CSCI carried out 1,273 announced and 1,302 unannounced inspections of independent children's homes (those run by the private and voluntary sectors) between 1 April 2004 and 31 March 2005; and 775 announced and 2,227 unannounced inspections of such homes between 1 April 2005 and 31 March 2006.

Information Technology

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much was spent on information technology (IT) sourced from outside his Department in each of the last five years; who is responsible for such projects in his Department; and what IT  (a) expertise and  (b) qualifications they possess.

Phil Hope: The information as requested is not readily available centrally within the Department for Education and Skills. To respond fully would involve an extensive internal and external information collection exercise which would exceed the recommended disproportionate cost threshold.
	However, to be helpful, I refer the hon. Member to the answers given by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children Young People and Families on 13 June 2005,  Official Report, column 192W; and, 3 November 2005,  Official Report, column 1314W.

Merseyside Learning and Skills Council

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many redundancies he expects to take place as a consequence of the restructuring of the Merseyside Learning and Skills Council.

Bill Rammell: The Learning and Skills Council is undertaking a major restructuring programme designed to streamline the organisation and give local offices a more strategic role. The changes are expected to require 1,100 fewer staff across the whole organisation, and the LSC is doing all it can to avoid making compulsory redundancies.
	Mark Haysom, the chief executive of the Learning and Skills Council, has written to the hon. Member explaining the more detailed arrangements for Greater Merseyside and a copy of his reply has been placed in the House Libraries.
	 Letter from Mark Haysom, dated 1 June 2006:
	I write further to your question to the Secretary of State for Education and Skills on restructuring at Greater Merseyside LSC.
	It is currently not possible to give a figure for the number of redundancies in any part of the LSC although it is our policy to ensure that we minimise the number of job losses wherever possible. In Merseyside, we are proposing that the 106 staff presently employed will reduce to 40. Although this initially looks like a significant reduction, job losses in real terms will be much smaller. As part of our restructuring, we are ensuring that where it makes sense to carry out an activity at 9 regional sites as opposed to 47 individual sites, we will do so. A number of the roles presently carried out at the Greater Merseyside LSC will transfer to the North West Regional Centre, but will continue to support the Greater Merseyside LSC. The North West Regional Centre will be established in Manchester, which is approximately 35 miles from the Greater Merseyside LSC.
	At the same time, we are recruiting staff into new roles both in Greater Merseyside and in the North West Regional Centre, which will also have an impact on the final number of redundancies. In addition, we are seeking volunteers for early retirement or voluntary severance. We have had 47 applications for voluntary severance from staff at the Merseyside office and all have been supported.
	I trust this answers your question.

Mr. Des Smith

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when his Department first employed Mr. Des Smith; and in what capacity.

Jim Knight: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 11 May 2006,  Official Report, column 472W, which states the basis on which Mr. Smith was employed by the DfES. Mr. Smith was first employed through Veredus Resourcing on 5 January 2004 under contract to support the City Academy, Bristol.

Northern Way

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what role his Department plays in the delivery of the Northern Way initiative.

Phil Hope: The Department welcomes the priority attached to skills in the Northern Way's Business Plan. We are committed to working with the Northern Way partners to ensure each of the Regional Economic Strategies for Yorkshire and Humber, the North West and North East are mutually reinforcing and maximise the opportunities offered by cross-regional working.
	The Northern Way is a pan-regional growth strategy being taken forward by the three northern Regional Development Agencies and their partners. Its work has potential to play an important role in delivering Government's Regional Economic Performance Public Service Agreement. The Department for Communities and Local Government co-ordinates Government involvement with the Northern Way. The Department for Education and Skills works with the Northern Way where its activities relate to our responsibilities.

Out-of-classroom education

Julian Brazier: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what assessment his Department has made of the barriers to out-of classroom education; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what assessment his Department has made of the effects of educational field courses on the academic performance of pupils.

Jim Knight: Over the past few years the Department has both commissioned and jointly funded external studies to examine the benefits and potential barriers to out-of-classroom learning. We have commissioned a survey of schools and local authorities to assess the extent of education outside the classroom, gather their views on the benefits and look at some of the barriers. The results will be published in the autumn.
	The Department has recently supported an Ofsted survey to be published in the autumn of effective fieldwork practice in schools and how this supports pupils' motivation and learning in geography. As part of the emerging Education Outside the Classroom Manifesto, 10 working groups of leading organisations from different out-of-classroom learning sectors (including field studies) submitted reports to the Department on the benefits of out-of-classroom learning, barriers to participation and practical recommendations to remove those barriers.

Personalised Learning

John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to encourage the take-up of  (a) high speed mobile technology and  (b) other wireless technology in the education system to enhance personalised learning for students; and if he will make a statement.

Phil Hope: The Department encourages the appropriate use of a range of technologies, including high-speed mobile and wireless, to enable improvements in personalised learning, teaching and institutional management.
	First, within an institution, current guidance recommends the provision of wireless access for learners to complement wired technologies.
	Secondly, to support access to resources from outside the institution, Becta (British Educational Communications and Technology Agency) will this year carry out an investigation into the potential future use of WiMAX wireless microwave access technologies, as well as continuing discussions with mobile operators about the use of future generation wireless telecommunications technologies.
	Other examples of work under way to explore the impact of mobile and wireless technologies include:
	a pilot of an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC) with schools in Nottingham and Southwell
	work with Traveller children in Leicestershire to enable pupils to access their work and keep in touch using laptops and GPRS general packet radio service connectivity
	use of mobile units (equipped with laptops and GPRS) in the East Midlands to deliver courses in locations without internet connections e.g. church halls
	use of mobile telephony in Essex to support the curriculum
	a pilot in Babington Community College in Leicester to test the potential of using wireless technology with a group of students and their families in a deprived area
	the Learning2Go project in Wolverhampton, involving provision of handheld devices to 1,100 students and their teachers across a range of institutions.

Physical Education (North Somerset)

John Penrose: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of schoolchildren in North Somerset meet the Government's target of two hours physical education each week in schools.

Jim Knight: Data from the 2004/05 survey of schools in school sport partnerships found that 75 per cent. of five to 16-year-olds in North Somerset took part in at least two hours high quality PE and school sport each week. This means that schools in North Somerset have reached the Government's PSA public service agreement target a year early.

Science and Geography

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the contribution of science and geography field courses in schools to sustainable development goals.

Jim Knight: The Department works closely with organisations such as the Field Studies Council (FSC), National Association of Field Study Officers (NAFSO), Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), Geographical Association and Association for Science Education on field work in schools. As part of the emerging Education Outside the Classroom Manifesto, a group of leading organisations from the fieldwork sector (including those listed) submitted a report to the Department on the benefits of fieldwork including its contribution to sustainable development education.

Staff Vetting

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many  (a) EU foreign nationals and  (b) non-EU foreign nationals have been employed in his Department in each of the last five years; what vetting procedures are in place for each category of staff; and whether those procedures include liaison with foreign law enforcement agencies.

Parmjit Dhanda: The information could be obtained in the form requested only at disproportionate cost.
	All potential new appointments to DfES are subject to nationality, passport, proof of identity and reference checks before contracts of employment are issued. The need for an individual to undergo national security vetting, and the level of vetting that is appropriate depends on the particular post they are going to fill. For example, all post holders in Private Office, Board Members' Offices and the Security Team are vetted. Individuals who need regular access to Downing street and/or the Palace of Westminster are also vetted as are people who require substantial access to Secret and Top Secret assets.
	The Department also has robust contractual arrangements in place and assurances from our suppliers that their non-EC national staff working in our buildings have UK residency and entitlement to work.

University Placements (Medicine)

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students with four A grade A-Levels were refused places to study  (a) medicine,  (b) dentistry and  (c) veterinary science in 2005; and if he will make a statement.

Bill Rammell: The information requested is not held centrally. Admissions policies and practices are entirely the responsibility of the higher education institutions. The Government have no remit over admissions although they do have a legitimate interest in ensuring that admissions are fair and command the confidence of prospective students, parents and teachers.

DEFENCE

Army Parachute Association

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what security measures are taken when  (a) civilians join the Army Parachute Association (APA) and  (b) civilian members of the APA use military airfields.

Tom Watson: The Ministry of Defence does not undertake any security measures/vetting procedures in relation to civilians joining the Army Parachute Association (APA) as it is a private club and it would be inappropriate for us to do so.
	When civilian members of the APA use military airfields they undergo security procedures similar to those which apply to any visitors entering any Ministry of Defence establishment. This includes booking in at the establishment's Guard House, and producing proof of identity and membership of the APA.

Atomic Weapons Establishment

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) at Aldermaston spent on hydrodynamic testing in each of the last 20 years; and how many scientists were employed by AWE on hydrodynamic testing of nuclear weapons in each year.

Des Browne: Over the past 20 years, Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) has spent approximately 5 million per year on hydrodynamic testing. The number of scientists employed by AWE on hydrodynamic testing over the past 20 years has remained stable at around 70, although not all are employed exclusively on these activities.

Atomic Weapons Establishment

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been spent on the Atomic Weapons Establishment's core punch facility at Aldermaston in each of the last 20 years.

Des Browne: Core punch diagnostics was established at Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) in the early 1980s. Annual maintenance costs are in the order of 1 million.

Ballykelly Army Base

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the  (a) process and  (b) timescale will be for the disposal of the married quarters accommodation associated with the Ballykelly army base.

Tom Watson: As announced by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of State for the Armed Forces, on 10 May 2006, Shackleton Barracks Ballykelly is scheduled for closure as part of the on-going normalisation programme. It will then be passed to Defence Estates (DE)the Ministry of Defence (MOD) agency responsible for the defence estatefor disposal no later than April 2008. This will include the associated married quarters.
	DE will trawl the property under local arrangements. These allow for surplus MOD sites in Northern Ireland to be offered to Northern Ireland Government Departments before being offered to former owners or on the open market.

Biological Diversity

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which Minister in his Department is responsible for monitoring his Department's compliance with its duty under section 74 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to have regard to the purpose of conserving biological diversity in carrying out its functions; and if he will make a statement.

Tom Watson: As the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, I have ministerial responsibility for the defence estate which includes the monitoring of the Department's obligations under section 74 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

Biological Diversity

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department plans to take to monitor the extent to which public bodies which report to him comply, from October, with their duty to conserve biodiversity in exercising their functions, under section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.

Tom Watson: This Department is currently establishing which public bodies reporting to the Secretary of State for Defence will be required to comply with section 40 of Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006. We will develop audit and review mechanisms to ensure compliance as appropriate.

Black/Asian Employees

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many  (a) black and Asian and  (b) other people are employed in his Department's press office.

Tom Watson: Information on ethnicity is collected on a voluntary basis. As there are less than five individuals from black and Asian backgrounds currently employed in the Ministry of Defence press office, the precise number has been withheld to preserve the individuals' confidentiality. The total number of people employed in the Department's press office, as at 25 May, was 23. This excludes the Director of News, who has wider responsibilities than overseeing the press office.

Conscientious Objectors

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what rights to be recognised as a conscientious objector an individual has  (a) before and  (b) during military service.

Tom Watson: The right to establish a conscientious objection to military service has long been recognised by the armed forces. As conscription no longer exists, it is unlikely that anybody who has an existing conscientious objection to military service would join the armed forces. Those who develop a genuine conscientious objection during service in the armed forces are able to follow well established procedures for their service to be terminated, and this includes an independent appeals procedure in any case where an application has been rejected. Information about the procedures is readily available.

Correspondence

Michael Spicer: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State expects to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for West Worcestershire of 6 April, reference: 02321/2006.

Tom Watson: I replied to the hon. Member on 15 May.

Departmental Estate

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what land in Oxfordshire his Department has  (a) owned,  (b) leased,  (c) rented and  (d) otherwise had (i) use of and (ii) access to at any point since 1 January 2003.

Tom Watson: The Ministry of Defence has owned, leased, rented or otherwise used, numerous separate areas of land and buildings in Oxfordshire since January 2003. Full details are not held centrally and to provide them in the format requested would incur disproportionate costs.
	However the information that is available has been placed in the Library of the House.

Gurkhas

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends to publish the review of the terms and conditions which apply to Gurkha pensioners.

Tom Watson: I have assumed that the hon. Member is referring to the review of Gurkha Terms and Conditions of Service (GTACOS) announced on 11 January 2005,  Official Report, column 9WS, and that he is asking about pensioners, rather than prisoners. I refer the hon. Member to the written statement that I made to the House on 25 May 2006,  Official Report, column 92WS.

Gurkhas

James Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what distinction he makes between Ghurka soldiers who retired  (a) pre-and  (b) post-1997 in terms of their (i) status and (ii) pensions.

Tom Watson: All Gurkha soldiers who retire after service in the British Army do so under Gurkha Terms and Conditions of Service, including the Gurkha Pension Scheme. These differ from those applying to the wider British Army
	1 July 1997 was the date when the Gurkhas became a UK-based force, on completion of the withdrawal from their previous base in Hong Kong. Under the terms of the HM Forces Immigration Rule (HMFIR), announced on 30 September 2004, a Gurkha discharged from the British Army on or after that date may apply for indefinite leave to enter the UK, and settle and work here. This requires the applicant to have completed at least four years service as a Gurkha with the British Army and to have been discharged in Nepal on completion of his engagement. HMFIR is based on the general principle of granting settlement on the basis of close personal ties with the UK, which Gurkhas are assumed to have developed as members of a UK-based force. Those who retired before 1 July 1997 and are not covered by the new Rule, can still apply, but would be expected to demonstrate that such ties exist.
	The review of Gurkha Terms and Conditions of Service announced by the then Secretary of State on 11 January 2006 is looking again at the pension arrangements for those who retired on or after 1 July 1997. Pension arrangements for those who retired before that date will not be affected.

Iraq

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the circumstances in which Private Adam Morris and Private Joseva Lewaicei died in Basra, Iraq.

Des Browne: Private Adam Morris and Private Joseva Lewaicei were killed in a suspected Improvised Explosive Device attack in Basra City, Iraq on Saturday 13 May 2006. The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment any further until our investigations are complete.

Iraq

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his oral answer of 22 May 2006,  Official Report, column 1183, on Iraq, what assessment he has made of the potential for partition of Iraq as a direction of travel to achieve permanent peace and stability should the present levels of violence continue or worsen into the long term.

Des Browne: The Ministry of Defence is engaged in Iraq in support of the wider UK Government's objective of ensuring a stable, united and federal Iraq, providing effective, representative and inclusive Government for all its people. The UK Government's policy reflects our support of the current Iraqi Constitution.

Low-flying Aircraft

Adam Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many flights in each tactical training area in the UK, excluding the central Wales tactical training area, flew at between 250 and 100 feet between 1993 and 2005.

Tom Watson: The statistics for the amount of military low flying that takes place in the tactical training areas in the UK is held in hours rather than by number of flights. The information is only available from the 1999-2000 training year as previously the data were compiled in a different manner. The figures for the training year 2005-06 are given in the table and will be published in the next statement on the pattern of military low flying that will be available in the House in summer 2006.
	The information following reflects the actual amount of operational low flying carried out between 100 and 250 feet within 14T and 20T, the tactical training areas in northern Scotland and the southern Scotland/Anglo-Scottish border area. These statistics are consistent with the information provided annually in the statement on the pattern of military low flying.
	
		
			   LFA14T  LFA20T 
			  Training year  Hours  Minutes  Hours  Minutes 
			 1999-2000 254 59 280 59 
			 2000-01 179 36 205 28 
			 2001-02 236 16 297 33 
			 2002-03 161 45 188 18 
			 2003-04 197 40 278 11 
			 2004-05 138 7 209 8 
			 2005-06 161 48 202 53

Marine Salvage

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which  (a) listed and  (b) designated maritime war graves are scheduled under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986.

Tom Watson: To date a total of 17 wrecked vessels, in military service when lost, have been designated under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986. Statutory Instruments 2002 No. 1761 and 2003 No. 405 refer. The places containing the remains of HMS A7, HMS Affray, HMS Bulwark, HMS Dasher, HMS Exmouth, HMS Formidable, HMS H5, HMS Hampshire, HMS Natal, HMS Royal Oak and HMS Vanguard are designated as controlled sites. The wrecks of HMS Gloucester, HMS Hood, HMS Prince of Wales, HMS Repulse, RFA Sir Galahad and the U-boat U-12 are designated as protected places.
	On 31 May I announced that the wrecks of the fourteen British ships sunk at the Battle of Jutland would be designated as protected places under the Act. The designations will come into effect later this year. Further designations will be considered as part of a rolling programme.

Nepal

Clare Short: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy that no further support will be provided to the Army of Nepal until arrangements have been put in place to ensure democratic accountability.

Adam Ingram: The new Government in Nepal has already made significant steps towards achieving democratic accountability over its defence and security forces. On 18 May 2006 the Nepalese House of Representatives unanimously passed an historic declaration which announced itself as the sovereign body of the country, and renamed His Majesty's Government of Nepal as Government of Nepal and the Royal Nepal Army as the Nepal Army. The King is no longer the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Army and the Nepalese Army are now subordinated to democratic control. Her Majesty's Government's goal in Nepal remains to help the country emerge from the current conflict with a sustainable peace, based on the principles of a civilian, accountable and democratic Government, as the necessary foundation on which to build a viable economy and climate for recovery and reform. Although much remains to be done, this can best be achieved through engagement by the international community with the new democratic Government and with the new Nepal Army to help it adjust to the new accountability. Our current support to the Nepalese Army includes help towards the development of democratic control of the military, human rights training and explosive ordinance disposal training (in support of their post-conflict role).

Nuclear Accident Exercises

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what basis Z Berth nuclear accident exercises do not rehearse arrangements for a worst case scenario (category B6) within a 40 kilometre diameter affected area; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: Rehearsals of Z Berth nuclear accident response plans are undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2001. They are designed to test the detailed emergency plans for responding to a reasonably foreseeable radiation emergency. Any questions relating to the requirement to rehearse arrangements for events that are not reasonably foreseeable should be referred to the Health and Safety Executive, Nuclear Installations Inspectorate.

RAF (Northern Ireland)

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the RAF's future requirement for  (a) accommodation and  (b) land in Northern Ireland.

Tom Watson: I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces' written ministerial statement of 10 May 2006,  Official Report, columns 19-21WS, about the future requirement for defence estates in Northern Ireland which included the military site at Aldergrove.
	Work leading up to this announcement took into account the overall need for accommodation and land which was one of the factors in the retention of the RAF Station at Aldergrove as the base for the Joint Helicopter Force (Northern Ireland).

Recruitment

Angus MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Army has reduced its recruiting targets.

Tom Watson: Recruiting targets for the Army fluctuate in accordance with the Army's staffing planning assumptions for inflow and outflow of soldiers to trained strength across the Army. Targets for enlistments in the current financial year and previous two years are as follows:
	
		
			 Financial year Enlistment target 
			 2004-05 11,580 
			 2005-06 12,680 
			 2006-07 12,610 
			  Note: Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10.

Sickness Absence

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many staff in his Department have had  (a) five or more,  (b) four,  (c) three and  (d) two periods of sick leave of less than five days in each of the last three years.

Tom Watson: The following tables show the number of non-industrial and industrial MOD staff who had  (a) five or more,  (b) four,  (c) three and  (d) two periods of sick leave of less than five days in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
	
		
			  Non industrial absence occurrences of less than five days for calendar year 2003, 2004 and 2005 
			  Headcount 
			  Number of occurrences less than five calendar days  2003  2004  2005 
			  Periods:
			 Two 9,860 9,680 9,300 
			 Three 5,780 5,650 5,480 
			 Four 3,440 3,190 2,990 
			 Five or more 4,090 3,870 3,680 
		
	
	
		
			  Industrial absence occurrences of less than five days for calendar year 2003,2004 and 2005 
			  Headcount 
			  Number of occurrences less than five calendar days  2003  2004  2005 
			  Periods:
			 Two 2,540 2,200 2,010 
			 Three 1,460 1,350 1,160 
			 Four 870 730 570 
			 Five or more 1,150 970 730 
			  Notes. 1. Figures listed above have been rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Data used exclude Royal Fleet Auxiliary staff and locally engaged civilians for whom sickness absence data are not available.

Woodbury Common

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether military training on Woodbury Common, East Devon has ever involved use of  (a) toxic and  (b) allergenic substances being used for chemical experimentation by his Ministry.

Tom Watson: Woodbury Common has been used for military training since Napoleonic times. Neither Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM), who currently conduct training on the common, nor Defence Science and Technology Laboratory Porton Down have any record of using toxic or allergenic substances for chemical experimentation. CTCRM use CS canisters as part of routine training, but there is no risk associated with CS gas used in this way.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Animal Testing

Ann Widdecombe: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent research he has assessed on animal testing and carcinogenicity.

Joan Ryan: Since humans can be exposed to low levels of chemicals in their diet, or in their environment, over a significant proportion of their lifespan, studies to evaluate lifetime exposure are conducted in animals to ascertain the potential for the chemical to cause cancer. The objective of carcinogenicity studies is to identify the potential of test materials to cause tumours in animals and to assess the relevant risk in humans. Carcinogenicity studies are time consuming and resource intensive and are only performed when potential or actual human exposure warrants the need for this information to be generated. Our implementation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 ensures that this is the case, and that the studies that are undertaken avoid unnecessary animal use, do not cause unnecessary suffering and provide data of a sufficiently high quality to inform risk assessments and regulatory decisions.
	We make every effort to keep abreast of developments in this and other areas relevant to the use of animals under the 1986 Act. For example, issues relating to the use of animals for carcinogenicity studies fall within the broader remit of the Inter-departmental Group on the 3Rs, which the Home Office leads and membership of which includes relevant United Kingdom regulators. We are informed of work on validation within Europe through the United Kingdom representative to the Scientific Advisory Committee to the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM). In addition, our professional inspectorate maintains awareness of developments taking place within United Kingdom research laboratories, and of relevant publications.
	In this latter context, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have recently published a report entitled Creative Accounting looking at carcinogenicity studies. We have referred the technical issues contained in the PETA report to the Committee on Carcinogenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COC) for scientific evaluation. We will consider any issues relevant to the implementation of the 1986 Act when we have received the Committee's advice.

Antisocial Behaviour

Michael Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department within what timescale he plans to roll out the facility across the country if the pilot in Southampton to provide a dedicated telephone line for reporting antisocial behaviour is successful.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 22 May 2006
	The 101 single non-emergency number service for community safety action, information and advice will be rolled out across England and Wales in a number of waves. The first wave will see the service launch in Hampshire (including Southampton) and four other areas in summer 2006. The service will be available across England and Wales by the end of 2008.

Antisocial Behaviour

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many antisocial behaviour orders have been issued to 10 to 17-year-olds since 1999 broken down by  (a) age and  (b) local authority area; how many have been breached in each case; and in what percentage of cases where a breach occurred a parenting order (i) had been and (ii) had not been applied;
	(2)  in how many antisocial behaviour orders issued to 10 to 17-year-olds since 1999  (a) a parenting order has also been applied and  (b) no parenting order has been applied;
	(3)  how many custodial sentences have been imposed on 10 to 17-year-olds for breaching conditions of an antisocial behaviour order since 1999;
	(4)  how many antisocial behaviour orders have been issued to 10 to 17-year-olds since 1999, broken down by  (a) local authority and  (b) offence;
	(5)  what the maximum length of time is for which the terms of an antisocial behaviour order can apply to a child under 18 years;
	(6)  how many under 18-year-olds have a criminal record as a result of breaches of the terms of an antisocial behaviour order.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 18 May 2006
	From commencement, 1 April 1999 to 31 May 2000, Antisocial Behaviour Order (ASBO) data were collected on aggregate numbers only by police force area. Tables A to H give the number of ASBOs issued to 10 to17-year-olds at all courts, as notified to the Home Office, from 1 June 2000 to 30 September 2005 (latest available), by individual age and the local authority area in which prohibitions have been imposed. Data collated centrally for statistical purposes do not identify the type of antisocial behaviour that led to the issuing of an ASBO.
	ASBO breach data only cover breach proceedings where there has been a conviction. These data are available at criminal justice system area level only and are currently available from 1 June 2000 to 31 December 2003 for ASBOs issued since 1 June 2000. During this period, of the 392 persons aged 10 to 17 convicted for breaching their ASBO, on one or more occasions, 179 received a custodial sentence, of which 30 were for breach of ASBO alone. Within the same period and, as notified to the Home Office, no notification was received of the breach of an ASBO made at the same time as a parenting order.
	The minimum duration of an ASBO is two years but there is no maximum period. It is for the court to decide the duration of the order depending on the severity of the anti social behaviour. The latest published figures up to September 2005 show that 62 per cent of anti social behaviour orders issued to young people aged 10 to 17 were for a period of less than three years. On 20 December 2005 we announced that we would put on a statutory footing the exisiting good practice guidance that agencies should conduct a one year review of ASBOs issued to children and young people, in order to ensure that they are receiving the help and support they need in order to avoid breaching the terms of the ASBOs.
	In addition, it is always open to the defendant or the applicant authority to go back to the court to vary or discharge the ASBO if one or more of the terms is no longer needed or needs strengthening.
	Copies of all the relevant tables have been placed in the Library.
	
		
			  Table A: The number of ASBOs issued to persons aged 10 years, as reported to the Home Office by all courts, where restrictions are imposed within local government authority areas, from 1 June 2000 to 30 September 2005England and Wales 
			  Local Government Authority Area  Number issued 
			 Barking and Dagenham LB 1 
			 Bassetlaw DC 1 
			 Bath and North East Somerset Council 1 
			 Birmingham CC 2 
			 East Cambridgeshire DC 1 
			 Leeds CC 3 
			 Liverpool CC 1 
			 Manchester CC 2 
			 Medway Council 1 
			 Newport CBC 1 
			 Plymouth CC 1 
			 Rochdale MBC 1 
			 Rushcliffe BC 1 
			 Salford MBC 1 
			 Southend-on-Sea BC 1 
			 St. Helens MBC 2 
			 Stoke-on-Trent CC 1 
			 Trafford MBC 2 
			 Walsall MBC 1 
			 Total 25 
			  Note: 1. Between 1 April 1999 to 31 May 2000 data were collected on aggregate numbers only by police force area. 2. Some of the local authority areas defined in the table may not be classified as formally listed borough, city, district or unitary authorities.

Antisocial Behaviour

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been issued with an antisocial behaviour order in  (a) the London borough of Bexley and  (b) London since its inception.

Tony McNulty: Data on antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) are available at criminal justice system area and local government authority (LGA) area level only. A table giving annual data on the number of ASBOs issued at all courts, as reported to the Home Office, up to 30 September 2005 (latest available), broken down by the LGA area in which restrictions are imposed is available on the Crime Reduction website at www.crimereduction.gov.uk.

Antisocial Behaviour

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many antisocial behaviour orders have been issued in  (a) Coventry South and  (b) the Midlands since 2002.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 23 May 2006
	Data on antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) are available at criminal justice system area and local government authority (LGA) area level only. A table giving annual data on the number of ASBOs issued at all courts, as reported to the Home Office, up to 30 September 2005 (latest available), broken down by the LGA area in which restrictions are imposed is available on the crime reduction website at www.crimereduction.gov.uk.

Antisocial Behaviour

Ann Coffey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many individual support orders attached to antisocial behaviour orders have been issued in each local authority area.

Tony McNulty: The available information is in the following table.
	
		
			  Number of individual support orders( 1)  given at the magistrates courts in addition to an ASBO, as reported to the Home Office, where restrictions are imposed within local authority areas from 1 May 2004 to 30 September 2005: England and Wales 
			  Local authority area  Individual support orders issued 
			 Bassetlaw DC 1 
			 Bolton MBC 1 
			 Camden LB 2 
			 Chester-le-Street DC 1 
			 Derwentside DC 1 
			 Gloucester CC 1 
			 Great Yarmouth BC 6 
			 Kings Lynn  West Norfolk BC 2 
			 Kirklees MC 1 
			 Leeds CC 1 
			 Manchester CC 2 
			 Mansfield DC 3 
			 Medway Council 1 
			 Newham LB 1 
			 North East Lincolnshire Council 1 
			 Salford CC 1 
			 South Tyneside MBC 1 
			 Southampton City Council 1 
			 Southwark LB 1 
			 Torfaen CBC 1 
			 Wolverhampton CC 1 
			 Total 31 
			 (1) Available at magistrates courts only for juveniles (10 to 17) with ASBOs issued on application. Commencement date 1 May 2004

Antisocial Behaviour

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how relevant requests made to the non-emergency 101 number will be passed on to services provided by local authorities.

Tony McNulty: 101, the single non-emergency number will be delivered by local authorities and police working in partnership to handle calls and coordinate corresponding services. They will agree which partner is responsible for delivering which service. Requests for service will be passed to each partner accordingly in the most effective way using either existing information technology infrastructure and capability or through the provision of new solutions where necessary or appropriate.

Antisocial Behaviour

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many parenting orders have been breached since December 2004.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 18 May 2006
	Information notified to the Home Office Court Proceedings Database shows that 21 breach proceedings leading to conviction occurred for parenting orders during 2004, three of them in December.
	Data for 2005 are not yet available.

Asylum Claims (Effect of Prison Sentence)

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether a prison sentence affects an individual's outstanding claim for asylum; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 24 May 2006
	The Refugee Convention contains a number of exclusion provisions under which claimants will be refused asylum even if they have a fear of persecution in their own country.
	Where an individual has committed a crime in the UK consideration will be given to the application of Article 33(2) of the Refugee Convention. This provides that an asylum seeker or recognised refugee may be expelled where there are reasonable grounds for regarding them as a danger to national security or who, having been convicted of a particularly serious crime, constitutes a danger to the community.
	Section 72 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 provides an interpretation of Article 33(2) and defines the term particularly serious crime as one for which the person concerned has received a sentence of imprisonment of at least two years, or has been convicted of an offence specified by order of the Secretary of State, whatever the length of sentence imposed. It also contains a rebuttable presumption that such a person is a danger to the community.
	A claimant would also be refused asylum where the crime committed is a crime against peace a war crime or a crime against humanity, or where it involves acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

Charitable Status

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to change the procedures for  (a) applications for and  (b) granting charitable status.

Edward Miliband: I have been asked to reply.
	Ministers have no power to change the procedures for applications for, or granting of, charitable status. Those procedures are administrative matters for the Charity Commission as the independent registrar and regulator of charities.

Contracts (Voluntary Sector)

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many contracts are let by his Department to voluntary sector organisations; how many of those are let on an annual basis; and how many of those had received finalised contracts for 2006-07 by 31 March.

Liam Byrne: Funding for voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations may come from various parts of the Home Office itself or from money which the Home Office has provided for other bodies to buy services on its behalf.
	The Department is, however, moving towards multi-year funding relationships with the VCS. The recently announced strategic grants to representative parts of the VCS now cover a three to five-year period and involve over 5 million. Our grant funding of the charities Crime Concern and Crimestoppers now also provides three-year strategic partnership agreements which total nearly 5.3 million over three years. The recent National Offender Management Service programme of grant funding for VCS organisations totalling nearly 900,000 provided up to three-year grants where they were requested. Of the grants awarded six organisations received them for three years, five for two years and two for one year. The provision of drug treatments by Drug Action Team partnerships is funded through the Home Office and we have issued guidance to them advocating a minimum period of two years for contracts and preferably longer.

Correspondence

Clare Short: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Nationality will reply to the letter from the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Ladywood, to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate of 31 January 2006 on behalf of Jeffrey Tichaendepi Zungunde (Home Office reference Z10635301).

Liam Byrne: The Immigration and Nationality Directorate wrote to the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Ladywood on 22 May 2006.

Correspondence

David Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will reply to the letter of 18 April from the hon. Member for Walsall, North about a constituent, reference M9535/6.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 23 May 2006
	I wrote to my hon. Friend on 25 May 2006.

Criminal Justice Act

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what amendments have been made to the Criminal Justice Act 2003; for what purposes; and when.

Gerry Sutcliffe: I am arranging for the information requested to be placed in the Library.

Criminal Records Bureau

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many applications for compensation were received by the Criminal Records Bureau in each year since the office was set up; and how many were successful;
	(2)  what the value is of compensation paid by the Criminal Records Bureau due to maladministration in each year since it was set up.

Joan Ryan: The CRB operates a Redress Scheme which was implemented in September 2002. The following table provides a breakdown of the number of claims made, the number of awards made for maladministration and the sum of redress awarded in each year to December 2005.
	The total number of awards made represent some 0.017 per cent. of the total number of disclosures issued during the same period.
	
		
			   Number of disclosures issued  Number of claims  Number of awards  Total redress paid () 
			 2002 927,163 366 293 31,070 
			 2003 2,158,149 533 310 87,913 
			 2004 2,082,728 415 331 68,981 
			 2005 2,690,009 513 417 111,995

Criminal Records Bureau

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases the Criminal Records Bureau has dealt with since its inception; how many errors have been made in identification in that period; and if he will make a statement.

Joan Ryan: The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) has issued 8.9 million Disclosures since its launch in March 2002 to 31 March 2006. In that time, there have been 2,273 occasions where Disclosure applicant details were matched by the CRB to a person with the same or very similar details who has a criminal record and, where the details had been challenged by the applicant, their dispute was subsequently upheld.
	These cases are clearly regrettable, but represent a very small proportion of cases0.025 per cent. of the total number of Disclosures issued. The CRB is acutely aware of the human consequences of making an incorrect matching decision and does not do so lightly.
	However, the CRB must err on the side of caution when an individual has the same or very similar personal details to those of someone who has a criminal record. This is because it is better to be safe than run the risk of letting an inappropriate person through.
	When a Disclosure is disputed it is resolved by asking the applicant to have their fingerprints taken at a local police station to help either confirm or overturn the original matching decision.
	The CRB will always apologise if the original matching decision is later found to be incorrect. In the event of a dispute the CRB notifies the prospective employer who would be aware of the CRB's Code of Practice that asks them not to take any precipitative action and defer any employment decision until the dispute is resolved. When a Disclosure is disputed the CRB will inform all parties that this is the case, including the employer. Where the information contained in the Disclosure is found not to relate to the applicant, a fresh Disclosure will be issued free of charge to both the applicant and the Registered Body. 90 per cent. of disputes are resolved within 21 days.
	A public consultation exercise was conducted in October 2003 about making greater use of fingerprinting at an earlier stage in the application process and to aid the matching and decision-making procedures. The overwhelming response was not in favour of such a measure.
	It is worth noting that under the previous police checking arrangements, individuals were not able to see the criminal records information disclosed about them. The information would have been passed only to the prospective employer and not to the job applicant and the prospective employer would have had no obligation to pass on the contents of the information to the individual.

Criminal Records Bureau

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many individuals in Wales have received an incorrect assessment from the Criminal Records Bureau since 1997.

Joan Ryan: The information sought by the hon. Member is not available. The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) is unable to provide information on Disclosure applications based on geographical areas.
	In order to identify how many applicants reside in Wales and received an incorrect assessment, the CRB would need to perform a manual trawl, at disproportionate cost, of each application to ascertain whether the postcode falls within Wales. Furthermore, this may not provide a conclusive figure as applicants may live on the borders of England and Wales.

Departmental Estate

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what  (a) land and  (b) property his Department (i) leases and (ii) leased in (A) 1979, (B) 1983, (C) 1987, (D) 1992 and (E) 1997 in (1) the Southend, West constituency, (2) Essex, (3) Hertfordshire and (4) the Metropolitan Police area of London.

Tony McNulty: Records of leases held in previous years are not maintained by my Department.
	Other than land or properties where addresses cannot be disclosed for security reasons the Department leases no land, but leases property in the following locations:
	 Southend, West
	Nil.
	 Essex
	Southend Airport, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS2 6YH
	Stansted Airport, Bassingbourn Road, Stansted, Essex CM24 1RW
	Enterprise House, Stansted Airport, Essex CM24 1QW
	Harwick International Port, Harwich, Essex CO12 4SX
	Southern Lodge, Tilbury, Essex RM12
	Unit 6, Woodbrook Crescent, Billericay, Essex CM12 0EQ
	9a Reeds Farm, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3SB
	4th Floor, Ashby House, Brook Street, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1PP
	Unit 9, Reunion House, 35 Jackson Road, Clacton, Essex CO15 1JA
	Unit G2 and G3, Jarmin Road, Colchester, Essex CO1 1XW
	23 St. Peters Street, Colchester, Essex CO1 1HL
	3rd Floor, Market House, Stone Cross, Harlow, Essex CM20 1AA
	49 Braintree Road, Witham, Essex CM8 2DD
	11 Cranes Farm Road, Basildon, Essex SS14 3DB
	 Hertfordshire
	North Park House, The Precinct, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire EN10 7HY
	Mid Herts Centre, 62-72 Victoria Street, St. Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 3XH
	16-22 Kings Street, Watford, Hertfordshire WDl 8BP
	Graham House, Yeomans Court, 2 Block A Ware Road, Hertfordshire SG13 7HJ
	 Metropolitan Police area of London
	88 Clapham High Road, London SW9 0JT
	Floors 1, 2 and 3,34 Greenwich High Road, SE10 8LW
	Hope House, 32-34 Greenwich High Road, London SE10 8LW
	34-36 Englefield Road, Hackney, London N1 4EZ
	377-383 Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9RD
	121A Church Walk, Hackney, London N16 8QW
	1-5 Dorset Close, London, NW1 5AN
	71 Great Peter Street, London, SW1P 2BN
	Autophone House, 73 Great Peter Street, London, SW1P 2BN
	Harpenden House, 248-250 Norwood Road, London SW27 9AZ
	474-480 Holloway Road, London N7 6HT
	143 Nottinghill Gate, London W11 3LE
	1 Reed House, 2-4 Rectory Road, London N16 7QS
	Riverside House, Beresford Street, London SE18 6DH
	401 St. Johns Street, London EC1 4QE
	208 Lewisham High Street, London SE13 5JH
	79 East Hill, Wandsworth, London SW18 2QE
	Units 4 and 5 Mitre House, 223-227 Great Dover Street, London SE1 1JD
	175-177 Seymour Place, London W1H 4PL
	Ellison House, 370 Albany Road, London SE5 0AJ
	Lancaster House, Leeland Road, Ealing, London W13 9HH.
	The Old Court House, Windmill Hill, Enfield, Middlesex EN2 6SA
	Rosslyn Crescent, Harrow, London HA1 2SR
	Banklabs House, 41a Cross Lances Road, Hounslow, London TW3 2AD
	71 Lordship Lane, London, N17 6RS
	90 Lansdowne Road, London N17 9XX
	Unit 5, Atlas Business Centre, Oxgate Lane, London NW2 7HJ
	Harrow Magistrates Court, Rosslyn Crescent, Middlesex HA1 2SD
	15 Belton Road, Forest Gate, London E7 9PF
	Norwich Place, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 7ND
	Crosby House, 9-13 Elmfield Road, Bromley, Kent BR1 1LT
	1 London Road, Bromley, Kent BR1 1BY
	111 Chertsey Crescent, New Addington, Surrey CR0 0DH
	Room 203,2 Barclay Road, Croydon, Surrey CR9 3NE
	Church House, 1A Old Palace Road, Croydon, Surrey CR0 1AX
	51 Wandle Road, Croydon, Surrey CR0 1DF
	16 High Street, Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey KTl 4DB
	45 High Street, Kingston-Upon-Thames, Surrey KTl 1LQ
	Newton House, 1 Commonside West, Mitcham, Surrey CR4 4HA
	103 Westmead Road, Sutton, Surrey SM1 4JD
	296a Kingston Road, London SW20 8LX
	Colnbrook Bypass, Harmondsworth, West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 0FX
	Harmondsworth, Longford, West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 0HB
	Queens Building, Terminal 2, Heathrow Airport, Middlesex TW6 1EN
	Grenadier House, 99-105 HorseferryRoad, London SW1P 2DX
	84-85 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6PD
	Allington Towers, Allington Road, Victoria, London SW1
	10 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AE
	AMP House, Dingwall Road, Croydon CR20 2LX
	Heathrow Airport, Terminal 1, Hounslow, Middlesex TW6 1BN
	Heathrow Airport, Terminal 2, Hounslow, Middlesex TW6 1ND
	Heathrow Airport, Terminal 3, Hounslow, Middlesex TW6 1ND
	Heathrow Airport, Terminal 4, Hounslow, Middlesex TW6 3XB
	Building 820, Terminal 3, Hounslow, Middlesex TW6 1SX
	Eaton House, 581 Staines Road, Hounslow, Middlesex TW4 5DL
	Feltham Green, 21 High Street, Hounslow, Middlesex TW13 4AG
	Hanover House, Units 4 and 5, Aspen Way, Feltham Middlesex TW13 7JJ
	Beckett House, 60-68 St. Thomas Street, London Bridge, London SE1 3QU
	London City Airport, Royal Docks, Silvertown, London E16 2PX
	Status Park 1, 1 Noble Drive, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 5EY
	Status Park 2, 6 Noble Drive, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 5EY
	Status Park 3, 4 Noble Drive, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 5EY
	Status Park 4, 3 Noble Drive, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 5EY
	Stockley Park, 1 Furzeground Way, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB1 11D
	Apollo House, 36 Wellesley Road, Croydon, Surrey CR0 9YA
	Beddington Cross, Unit 17, Beddington Lane, Croydon, Surrey CR0 4XH
	Bedford Point, 34-35 Dingwall Road, Croydon Surrey CR0 9XG
	Christopher Wren House, 113 High Street, Croydon, Surrey CR0 1QG
	Electric House, 3 Wellesley Road, Croydon, Surrey CR9 2AT
	Canterbury House, 2-6 Sydenham Road, Croydon, Surrey CR0 9XE
	Green Park House, 29 Wellesley Road, Croydon, Surrey CR9 2BY
	Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon, Surrey CR9 2BY
	Metro Point, 49 Sydenham Road, Croydon, Surrey CR0 2EU
	Quest House, 11 Cross Road, Croydon, Surrey CR9 6EL
	St. Anne House, 20-26 Wellesley Road, Croydon, Surrey CR9 2HL
	Whitgift Blocks A-E, 15 Wellesley Road, Croydon, Surrey CR9 1AT
	2 Marsham Street, London SW1 P4DF (PFI)
	277-289 High Road, Ilford, Essex IG1 1QQ
	28-42 Clements Road, Ilford, Essex IGl 1BA
	29-33 Victoria Road, Romford, Essex RM1 2JT.

Departmental Responsibilities

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the responsibilities which his Department has lost since 1997; what the  (a) date and  (b) destination Department was in each case; what responsibilities the Department has taken on since 1997; and what the (i) date and (ii) source Department was in each case.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 23 May 2006
	Ministerial responsibilities are set out in the List of Ministerial Responsibilities, which is updated regularly. A revised version will be published shortly. Copies of previous versions are available in the Library.

Departmental Staff

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff from his Department attended the Civil Service Islamic Society Eid-Ul-Adha event in London in 2005; and what the total cost to his Department was of this attendance.

Liam Byrne: My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will write to the hon. Member with details of the Civil Service Islamic Society Eid-Ul-Adha event. Copies of her letter will be placed in the Library.

Disability Access

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any buildings in his Department fall short of disability access regulations.

Liam Byrne: Building by building information on compliance with disabled access legislation is not held centrally. The Home Office has a large and varied estate comprising approximately 1,900 major sites and individual buildings. Some buildings inevitably are better suited than others for access by disabled people. The Home Office has carried out a significant amount of work in recent years to improve its facilities for those who are disabled. Policy is for all buildings to comply with all relevant legislation.

Dr. David Kelly

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which individual decided that Dr. Nicholas Hunt should be the pathologist chosen to investigate the death of Dr. David Kelly in July 2003.

Joan Ryan: The selection of the pathologist to undertake a post-mortem examination is made, by the coroner with jurisdiction, under the provisions of section 19 or s20 Coroners Act 1988. In cases of suspicious death, where there may be a prosecution, the coroner would consult the police (see Rule 6 Coroners Rules 1984) before making the selection. The death of Dr. Kelly took place within the jurisdiction of the Oxfordshire coroner and so the choice of Dr. Hunt would have been made by that coroner.

Drink Offences

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many offenders were found guilty of  (a) drunken and disorderly behaviour and  (b) drunken and aggravated disorderly behaviour in (i) England and (ii) Tamworth constituency in each year since 1997.

Vernon Coaker: Data from the Court Proceedings database held by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform on the number of offenders convicted at all courts for offences relating to  (a) drunken and disorderly behaviour and  (b) drunken and aggravated disorderly behaviour in (i) England and (ii) Tamworth constituency in England, 1997 to 2004 are contained in the first table. It is not possible to separately identify Tamworth, as the data is not collected at this level of detail. Therefore, data for the Lichfield and Tamworth area have been provided instead.
	Statistics for 2005 court proceedings will be available in the autumn of 2006.
	Some drunkenness offences are now dealt with by penalty notice for disorder. The penalty notice for disorder scheme was brought into effect in all police forces in England and Wales during 2004. Under the scheme the police are able to issue persons believed to have committed specified minor offences with a fixed penalty notice. No admission of guilt is required and payment of the penalty discharges all liability to conviction of the offence. Data on the number of penalty notices for disorder issued in 2004 and 2005 (provisional data) for offences related to drunkenness are provided in the second table.
	
		
			  Number of offenders found guilty at all courts for offences relating to drunkenness, Lichfield and Tamworth Local Justice Area, and England 1997 to 2004( 1) 
			   Lichfield and Tamworth Petty Sessional Area  England 
			   Drunkenness, simple( 2)  Drunkenness with aggravation( 3)  Drunkenness, simple( 2)  Drunkenness with aggravation( 3) 
			 1997   3,333 22,474 
			 1998   3,710 23,864 
			 1999 1 3 3,134 22,764 
			 2000  61 2,579 22,078 
			 2001 3 28 2,424 21,468 
			 2002 2 29 2,201 22,741 
			 2003 6 39 1,999 23,893 
			 2004 5 32 1,674 17,550 
			 (1) These data are on the principal offence basis. (2) Includes offences under S.12 Licensing Act 1872, Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc) Act 1985 SS.1(4), 1 A(4), 2.(2) and S.12 Criminal Justice  Police Act 2001. (3) Includes offences under S.91 Criminal Justice Act 1967, S.12 Licensing Act 1872, S.174 Licensing Act 1964, S.9(4) Late Night Refreshment Houses Act 1969, S.28 London Hackney Carriage Act 1843, SS.101(1)(a)(b), (4)  (5) Merchant Shipping Act 1995, S.2 Licensing Act 1902 and S.61 Town Police Clauses Act 1847. 
		
	
	
		
			  Number of Penalty Notices for Disorder issued in for offences related to drunkenness, England, 2004 and 2005( 1) 
			   Total  DA06 Drunk and disorderly  DB05 Drunk in a highway  DB07 Consumption of alcohol in public place 
			 2004 28,455 25,591 2,387 477 
			 2005( 1) 37,742 34,220 2,873 649 
			 (1) Provisional data.   Source:  RDSOffice for Criminal Justice Reform.

Drug Offences

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many children aged under 18 years were arrested on suspicion of dealing drugs in  (a) England,  (b) each English region and  (c) the Tees Valley in each year since 1997.

Vernon Coaker: Information requested is not collected centrally.

Drug Offences

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many drug offences were recorded in  (a) Devon,  (b) Cornwall and  (c) the south west region in 2005.

Vernon Coaker: The latest available information for small area crime data is for financial year 2004-05. The figures for drug offences are given in the following table.
	
		
			  Drug offences recorded in 2004-05 
			   Number of offences 
			 Devon 3,220 
			 Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 1,136 
			 South west region 10,956 
			  Notes: 1. Devon calculated by combining the three basic command units of north and east Devon, south and west Devon and Plymouth.  2. Cornwall is the basic command unit Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.

Europol

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his answer of 17 May 2006,  Official Report, column 1036W, on Europol, what discussions he has had relating to the future of Europol.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 25 May 2006
	The Austrian presidency has initiated an EU-wide debate on Europol's future, most recently in the form of a Friends of the presidency group consisting of experts from the member States, the Commission and Europol.
	In light of their discussions, the presidency has prepared an options paper which summarises the possible approaches that could be explored. The presidency intends agreeing council conclusions on the paper at the meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council on 1 and 2 June. These would provide a basis for taking the discussions further forward in the council working groups.

Foreign Prisoners (Release)

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what correspondence he has received from prison governors on the release of foreign prisoners since 1999.

Gerry Sutcliffe: There is no record of any such correspondence.

Forensic Science

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last reviewed the code of practice for scene of crime officers.

Joan Ryan: The Home Office has not issued a code of practice for scene of crime officers and, as far as we are aware, there is no national code of practice as such. However, both the Forensic Science Service and the Association of Chief Police Officers have issued some good practice guidance for scenes of crime staff. This includes: The Scenes of Crime Handbook, the National Operational Standards for Scenes of Crime and a draft National Crime Scene Investigation Manual.

Forensic Science

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether evidence in reports for the Forensic Science Service is checked by outside agencies.

Joan Ryan: Evidence in reports prepared by the Forensic Science Service Ltd (FSS) is assessed externally to ensure that quality standards are met. The FSS is accredited to the ISO 17025 (2005) standard, which is an international testing standard for laboratories. This testing standard requires independent assessment of the FSS Quality Management System by an external bodyin this case the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). The UKAS assessment includes proficiency testing organised by other forensic provider networks within the UK, EU and UN, and covers the extent to which the FSS provides assurance that the results it provides meet the required quality standards. The FSS is also accredited to the wider ranging ISO 9001 standard that is assessed by the British Standards Institute (BSI).
	Under disclosure rules, access to FSS files is available to the defence and the courts for scrutiny in any particular investigation. A proportion of cases in which the FSS has provided evidence for the prosecution are independently examined and checked by other forensic providers on behalf of the defence.

HM Young Offenders Institution Feltham

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what recent assessment he has made of the  (a) management and  (b) systems operation at HM Young Offenders Institution Feltham; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  if he will make a statement on security arrangements at HM Young Offenders Institution Feltham; what action he has taken to improve security arrangements in the last month; and what investigations he has ordered into issues arising from an attempted escape;
	(3)  if he will make a statement on the role of Mr. Rod Eddington at HM Young Offenders Institution Feltham.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Management and related systems at Feltham are regularly reviewed by the Governor and area manager. The establishment continues to make significant progress, as described in the most recent HM Chief Inspector of Prisons' report following an inspection in May 2005.
	The security arrangements at Feltham were fully assessed by the National Standards Audit unit in December 2005 in which Feltham scored 83 per cent. Feltham also conducts regular and frequent self-audits, the last being in March, which have confirmed the national markings. There is one current disciplinary investigation into a recent escape attempt but it would not be appropriate to comment further until this is complete.
	A number of London prisons participated in a pilot organised by Business in the Community (BITC), an organisation that forges links between managers in the public and private sectors to enhance the skills and knowledge of participants. Mr. Rod Eddington was the chief executive of British Airways, selected by BITC to partner the Governor of Feltham as part of this initiative. Mr. Eddington visited the prison on two occasions, helped promote the positive aspects of the work of the prison and facilitated the use of BA facilities for a training event for Feltham managers. Mr. Eddington concluded his participation in January.

HM Young Offenders Institution Feltham

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he  (a) last visited and  (b) intends next to visit HM Young Offenders Institution Feltham.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Home Secretary has yet to visit Feltham young offender institution. A visit to Feltham would be considered as part of a programme of visits across the prison estate by Home Office Ministers.

Immigration

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what procedures are in place to enable employers to research the immigration status of foreign nationals applying for jobs; and if he will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: Section 8 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 provides employers with a statutory defence from conviction if they check and record certain specified documents belonging to potential employees. To support employers to meet their responsibilities under section 8, detailed guidance is available in hard copy from the IND Employers' Helpline and electronically on the IND website. The Employers' Helpline offers a dedicated enquiry and information service on the prevention of illegal migrant working. The Home Office Employing Migrant Workers website provides employers with a step-by-step guide to the checks that they are advised to complete to ensure that a person is legally allowed to work in the UK. UKIS local enforcement offices can also provide employers with a presentation on preventing illegal working.

Immigration

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the number of immigrants with tuberculosis who entered the United Kingdom at each point of entry in each of the last 12 months for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how many people have been refused entry to the United Kingdom on the basis of  (a) a positive test for tuberculosis and  (b) other conditions with public health implications in each of the last five years.

Liam Byrne: The Home Office will shortly conduct a survey to provide more information about the extent to which immigration officers' decisions at points of entry, including refusal of entry, are based on the outcome of medical examinations covering all types of conditions. Between the introduction of pre-entry screening in autumn 2005 and 1 May 2006, nine cases of TB had been detected in approximately 12,000 visa applicants tested and entry clearance withheld until completion of treatment.

Indefinite Leave to Remain

Justine Greening: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many people living in Putney constituency applied for indefinite leave to remain in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how many people living in Putney constituency are awaiting a final decision on their application for indefinite leave to remain; how many people on average were awaiting a final decision in each of the previous five years; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  how many people living in Putney constituency were issued a final decision, with no further right of appeal, on their application for indefinite leave to remain on average in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 22 May 2006
	This information is not available on a constituency basis.

Indefinite Leave to Remain

Justine Greening: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many people living in the UK were issued a final decision, with no further rights of appeal, regarding their application for indefinite leave to remain, in each year from 2001 to 2005; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how many people living in the UK were awaiting a final decision regarding their application for indefinite leave to remain in each year from 2001 to 2005; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  how many people living in the UK applied for indefinite leave to remain in each year from 2001 to 2005; and if he will make a statement;
	(4)  how many people living in the UK are awaiting a final decision regarding their application for indefinite leave to remain; and if he will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: The Research, Development and Statistics Directorate (RDS) produce national statistics for on entry control, asylum, after entry control, grants of settlement, removals and appeals. These are available in the publication Control of Immigration: Statistics, United Kingdom published by The Stationery Office.

Indefinite Leave to Remain

Justine Greening: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many people living in each London borough were issued a final decision, with no further rights of appeal, regarding their application for indefinite leave to remain in each year between 2001 and 2005; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how many people living in each London borough are awaiting a final decision regarding their application for indefinite leave to remain; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  how many people living in each London borough applied for indefinite leave to remain in each year from 2001 to 2005, broken down by London borough; and if he will make a statement;
	(4)  how many people living in each London borough were awaiting a final decision regarding their application for indefinite leave to remain on average in  (a) 2001,  (b) 2002,  (c) 2003,  (d) 2004 and  (e) 2005; and if he will make a statement.

Liam Byrne: This information is not collated on a local authority basis.

Indefinite Leave to Remain

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  many people living in Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency are awaiting a final decision on their application for indefinite leave to remain; how many people were awaiting a final decision in each of the previous five years; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how many people living in Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency were issued a final decision with no further right of appeal on their application for indefinite leave to remain in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: This information is not collated on a constituency basis.

Iraq (Alleged Stolen Cultural Property)

Robert Key: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many  (a) prosecutions and  (b) convictions there have been in connection with alleged stolen cultural property originating in Iraq in each police force area since January 2004; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Dealing in Cultural Objects (Offences) Act 2003 came into effect on 30 December 2003. The Court Proceedings Database held by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform shows that in 2004 there were no prosecutions or convictions for dishonestly dealing in cultural objects in England and Wales. Statistics on court proceedings for 2005 will be available in the autumn of 2006.
	The Iraq (United Nations Sanctions) Order 2003 came into force on 14 June 2003. The data held by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform do not separately identify the offence under this order of dealing in cultural property originating in Iraq.

London Bombings

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his oral statement of 11 May 2006,  Official Report, column 522, on the London bombings, when, and in what form, the Government plan to release details of the lessons learned exercise addressing aspects of the emergency response to the 7 July 2005 attacks.

Tony McNulty: A document summarising progress in addressing the multi-agency lessons learned from the emergency response to the 7 July attacks is being compiled, and will be published before the summer recess. Copies will be placed in the Library.

Magistrates Courts

David Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much in respect of compensation orders made by magistrates courts remained unpaid to the end of 2005-06.

Harriet Harman: I have been asked to reply.
	Information on total financial penalty impositions and collections are provided by the 42 HMCS areas in England and Wales, but does not specifically and separately identify compensation from other impositions (fines and costs). The information could therefore be obtained only at a disproportionate cost.

MI5 Files

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many MI5 files were extant at 31 December 2005; how many were categorised as  (a) green,  (b) amber and  (c) red; and how many were (i) held on microfiche, (ii) held as hard copy and (iii) held on computer in each category.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 8 May 2006
	The available information is that the Security Service held approximately 325,000 files in January 2005. The categorisations of these files were, on this date, as follows: 10 per cent. green, 46 per cent. amber and 44 per cent. red. 60,000 of these files were held on microfiche or microfilm, with the remaining paper based. No files at this date were held on computer.

National DNA Database

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many requests for information on the national DNA database his Department has received from other countries in each year since its inception.

Joan Ryan: holding answer 24 May 2006
	From the inception of the National DNA database in 1995 until comparatively recently, requests for international profiles were rare and therefore no data was collated by the NDNAD until 2004. Since 2004 here have been 519 such requests.

Pathologists

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the qualified pathologists his Department  (a) uses and  (b) used in July 2003; and for how long (i) each pathologist who is on the list has been on the list and (ii) each pathologist on the list in July 2003 had been on the list at that time. (73993)
	 Question number missing in Hansard, possibly truncated question.

Joan Ryan: The Home Office does not employ or instruct forensic pathologists but does maintain a register of forensic pathologists who have sufficient qualifications, training and experience to be instructed in cases of suspicious or violent death.
	The following list shows those forensic pathologists who are on the Home Office Register (updated April 2006) and those that were on the register in July 2003. In each case the year in which they were added to the Register is also listed.
	 April 2006
	Dr. P. Acland (1984)
	Dr. L. M. Al-Alousi (2002)
	Dr. A. M. Anscombe (1989)
	Dr. A. Armour (1997)
	Dr. D. C. Bouch (1984)
	Dr. N. Carter (1995)
	Dr. N. R. B. Cary (1992)
	Dr. R. C. Chapman (1991)
	Dr. D. S. Cook (2003)
	Dr. P. N. Cooper (1993)
	Dr. A. M. Davison (1999)
	Dr. V. Djurovic (1991)
	Dr. M. J. Egan (2002)
	Dr. A. W. Fegan-Earl (2002)
	Dr. G. C. A. Fernando (1993)
	Dr. N. C. A. Hunt (2001)
	Dr. D. S. James (1994)
	Dr. P. G. Jerreat (1991)
	Dr. C. P. Johnson (1996)
	Dr. W. Lawler (1984)
	Dr. S. Leadbeatter (1989)
	Dr. P. Lumb (2003)
	Prof. C. Milroy (1991)
	Dr. F. Patel (1991)
	Dr. B. N. Purdue (2002)
	Prof. R. A. Risdon (2002)
	Dr. B. Rogers (2001)
	Dr. D. A. Rouse (1991)
	Prof. G. N. Rutty (1996)
	Dr. R. T. Shepherd (1991)
	Dr. K. Shorrock (2000)
	Dr. J. P. Sunter (1986)
	Dr. B. Swift (2005)
	Dr. E. Tapp (1986)
	Prof. P. Vanezis (2003)
	Dr. H. White (1994)
	Prof. H. L. Whitwell (1988)
	Dr. C. A. Wilson (1999)
	 July 2003
	Dr. P. Acland (1984)
	Dr. L. M. Al-Alousi (2002)
	Dr. A. M. Anscombe (1989)
	Dr. A. Armour (1997)
	Dr. D. C. Bouch (1984)
	Dr. N. Carter (1995)
	Dr. N. R. B. Cary (1992)
	Dr. R. C. Chapman (1991)
	Dr. K. Chen (1999)
	Dr. D. S. Cook (2003)
	Dr. P. N. Cooper (1993)
	Dr. A. M. Davison (1999)
	Dr. V. Djurovic (1991)
	Dr. M. J. Egan (2002)
	Dr. A. W. Fegan-Earl (2002)
	Dr. G. C. A. Fernando (1993)
	Dr. T. A. French (1978)
	Dr. M. J. Heath (1991)
	Dr. I. Hill (1990)
	Dr. N. C. A. Hunt (2001)
	Dr. D. S. James (1994)
	Dr. P. G. Jerreat (1991)
	Dr. C. P. Johnson (1996)
	Dr. W. Lawler (1984)
	Dr. S. Leadbeatter (1989)
	Prof. C. Milroy (1991)
	Dr. F. Patel (1991)
	Dr. B. N. Purdue (2002)
	Prof. R. A. Risdon (2002)
	Dr. B. Rogers (2001)
	Dr. D. A. Rouse (1991)
	Dr. J. Rutherford (1992)
	Prof. G. N. Rutty (1996)
	Dr. R. T. Shepherd (1991)
	Dr. K. Shorrock (2000)
	Dr. J. P. Sunter (1986)
	Dr. E. Tapp (1986)
	Prof. P. Vanezis (2003)
	Dr. H. White (1994)
	Prof. H. L. Whitwell (1988)
	Dr. A.R. Williams (1986)
	Dr. C. A. Wilson (1999)
	Dr. N. Woodford (2001)

People Trafficking

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to enhance  (a) inter-departmental co-operation and  (b) a multi-agency approach involving non-governmental organisations in tackling the trafficking of people into the UK.

Vernon Coaker: The Home Office chairs an inter-departmental ministerial group which meets quarterly and involves a number of Government Departments to discuss how the UK should tackle human trafficking.
	We recently finished a public consultation on our strategy to combat trafficking in human beings. The objective of this consultation was to feed into the development of a National Action Plan. We received over 200 responses from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), religious organisations, law enforcement and other bodies.
	We are exploring with the key NGOs and others the potential benefits and disadvantages of the approach set out in the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. Regular meetings with NGO stakeholders are chaired jointly by the Home Office and the Solicitor-General. The first meeting of this new group took place on 15 February and focused on trafficking for sexual exploitation. The group recently met for the second time to discuss the trafficking of children, and will meet again in July. The Government will continue to listen carefully to NGO views to enhance the policies it puts in place to tackle human trafficking.

People Trafficking

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research his Department has conducted on the number of men who come forward to assist police investigations after using the services of a prostitute where they suspect the prostitute to have been a victim of trafficking.

Vernon Coaker: No such research has been carried out by the Home Office.

Police

Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much funding was awarded in police settlements  (a) in England and Wales and  (b) by each police authority in each year since 1997.

Liam Byrne: The information has been placed in the Library.

Police

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much has been allocated to services to reduce to re-offending in each police authority area in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Expenditure on reducing re-offending over 2001-02 to 2005-06 is estimated as:
	
		
			million 
			 2001-02 (1)795 
			 2002-03 (1,2)91 
			 2003-04 (1)870 
			 2004-05 (1)918 
			 2005-06 (3)1,034 
			 (1) Based on expenditure from Home Office Departmental Report table 6.2 2004-05 for Correctional Services, Prisons Service, Probation Service and YJB. (2) The 2002-03 figure has been inflated by an accounting adjustment. (3) Based on planned expenditure per Home Office Departmental Report 2004-05 
		
	
	This is based on an assessment of the proportion of Correctional Services expenditure in England and Wales specifically aimed to reduce re-offending, though on a broader definition most of Correctional Services expenditure, much police expenditure and expenditure by other agencies working with offenders could have an impact on re-offending.
	It is not possible to provide this information for each police authority area as funding to this level is not necessarily separately identified as being for reducing re-offending, and it is not all allocated on the basis of police authority areas.

Police

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers there are in  (a) Cornwall and  (b) England per 100,000 of population.

Tony McNulty: As at 31 March 2005, there were 212 police officers per 100,000 population in Devon and Cornwall police authority. In the same period, there were 267 police officers per 100,000 population in England and Wales Police forces.

Police

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police there were in  (a) Devon and  (b) Cornwall in March (i) 2002, (ii) 2003, (iii) 2004, (iv) 2005 and (v) 2006.

Tony McNulty: The information requested is set out in the table. Data on the deployment of police officers to basic command units are collected annually. Information for the position on 31 March 2006 will not be available until the end of July when it will be published on-line by our Research, Development and Statistics Directorate.
	
		
			  Number of police officers in Devon and Cornwall 2002 to 2005 
			  As at 31 March  Cornwall( 1)  Devon( 2) 
			 2002 705 1,640 
			 2003 737 1,779 
			 2004 774 1,826 
			 2005 784 1,885 
			 Increase 79 (11.2%) 245(14.9%) 
			 (1) Cornwall is one basic command unit and includes the Isles of Scilly. (2 )Devon has three basic command units: North and East Devon, Plymouth and South and West Devon.  Source: 2002 data was collected by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary. From 2003 collected by Home Office Research, Development and Statistics Directorate.

Police

Nick Herbert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many  (a) internal and  (b) external meetings his officials have held on police force restructuring in the last 12 months; and how much staff time has been spent in each category of meeting.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 8 May 2006
	To answer this question would incur disproportionate costs.

Police

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were employed in  (a) armed response units and  (b) specialist firearms officers teams in the West Midlands regional police forces in each year since 1997.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 23 May 2006
	The number of authorised firearms officers within Staffordshire police, Warwickshire police, West Mercia constabulary and West Midlands police since 1996-97 are shown in the table. We do not hold information on whether these officers are in armed response units or specialist firearms officers' teams.
	
		
			  Number of authorised firearms officers (AFOs) 
			   1996-97  1997-98  1998-99  1999-2000  2000-01  2001-02  2002-03  2003 
			 Staffordshire 78 86 92 81 67 71 63 67 
			 Warwickshire 41 38 44 54 45 50 51 46 
			 West Mercia 155 159 139 129 130 125 131 139 
			 West Midlands 88 95 92 93 83 111 110 124 
			 Total 362 378 367 357 325 357 355 376

Police

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects a permanent chief constable to the Thames Valley police force to be appointed.

Tony McNulty: The chief constable of Thames Valley police force is appointed by Thames Valley police authority. The current chief constable, Peter Neyroud, has been seconded to the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) since January 2006, as chief executive designate.
	Subject to the passage of the Police and Justice Bill, the NPIA will be established on 1 April 2007. We expect the Bill to complete its parliamentary stages in October or November this year, and Thames Valley police authority are likely to advertise the post of chief constable after that date.

Pornography

Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department is taking to reduce the transfer of obscene and pornographic material by mobile phone, with particular reference to the use of mobile phones by children.

Vernon Coaker: The distribution of obscene and pornographic material by mobile phone is already covered by current legislation including the Obscene Publications Act 1959 and the Communications Act 2003.
	On 19 January 2004, following discussions with the Home Secretary's Task Force for Child Protection on the Internet, the mobile operators in the UK also published a self-regulatory Code of Practice for new forms of content on mobile phone services. Among other things, the code requires mobile providers: to undertake a process of age verification; to classify commercial content which they supply themselves as unsuitable for customers under 18 where appropriate; to moderate chat rooms made available to customers under 18; and to allow parents and carers to apply filters to the mobile operator's internet access services so that the internet content thus accessible is restricted. The Independent Mobile Classification body (IMCB), a subsidiary of the Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services (ICSTIS), fulfils the commitment in the Code to appoint an independent classification body to provide a framework for classifying commercial content that is unsuitable for customers under the age of 18.

Preventing Extremism

Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to implement the proposal in his Department's Preventing Extremism Together report to subsidise the work of the Federation of Student Islamic Societies.

Meg Munn: I have been asked to reply.
	The Preventing Extremism Together (PET) working groups convened last year suggested that further debate between young British Muslims and influential Muslim scholars and figures could help and encourage a stronger challenge to the message of extremism. As a result the Government have supported a campaign to help do this, led by grassroots British Muslim organisations such as Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS), Q News and Young Muslim Organisation (YMO) amongst other Muslim organisations. To date the initiative which was successfully launched in December 2005 has brought influential mainstream Muslims scholars and thinkers to speak to audiences of thousands of 18 to 30 year old British Muslims, a large percentage of whom have been young British Muslim women. To ensure that the message reaches a wider audience the organisers have also developed a website and are producing a range of other resources.

Prisoner Deportation

William Cash: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what account he has taken in exercising his discretion in implementing his policy on the deportation of foreign national convicted persons of  (a) the Human Rights Act 1998 and  (b) Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Liam Byrne: Paragraph 364 of the Immigration Rules (HC 395) sets out how the Secretary of State should consider whether deportation is the right course on the merits, balancing the public interest against any compassionate circumstances and taking into account all relevant factors known to him. The factors listed in paragraph 364 include, but are not limited to, what would be relevant under the Human Rights Act.
	My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary set out in his statement of 23 May that we are issuing new guidance to caseworkers which interprets the decision-making criteria much more tightly in the future.

Prisons

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of  (a) the importance to prisoners of serving in open conditions close to their homes and  (b) the impact of doing so on (i) the prospect of getting full-time employment upon release, (ii) successful reintegration into the community and (iii) re-offending rates.

Gerry Sutcliffe: There has been no formal evaluation of the impact on resettlement outcomes of open and resettlement regimes. Valuable work is undertaken with prisoners throughout their sentence and it might be misleading to ascribe resettlement outcomes only to the discharging prison. However, a new method of evaluation is now being tested within the National Offender Management Service which may facilitate a more sophisticated analysis of the impact of different regimes. If this methodology proves successful, the same approach will used, later this year, to evaluate the impact on re-offending of open and resettlement estate regimes, close to their homes;  (b) or the impact of doing so on employment on release, successful resettlement or their re-offending rates.

Prisons

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons HMP Grendon and HMP Springhill receive lower funding than HMP Rampton and HMP Broadmoor.

Rosie Winterton: I have been asked to reply.
	Rampton and Broadmoor are high security psychiatric hospitals, not prisons, and as such it is not appropriate to directly compare the funding they receive to that received by prisons such as HMP Grendon and HMP Springhill.

Prisons

Nicholas Clegg: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his answer of 7 February 2006,  Official Report, column 1108W, on prisoners, how many  (a) escapes and  (b) unapproved absences there have been from English prisons since 7 February 2006, broken down by region.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Since 7 February 2006, there have been no escapes and 84 unapproved absences from English prisons as detailed in the following table.
	
		
			  Unapproved absences from English prisons from 7 February to 24 May 2006 
			  Prison area  Number of unapproved absences 
			 East Midlands 17 
			 Eastern 5 
			 Kent 13 
			 London 3 
			 North West 6 
			 North East 6 
			 South West 6 
			 Surrey and Sussex 10 
			 Thames Valley, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight 2 
			 West Midlands 5 
			 Yorkshire and Humberside 11 
			 Total 84

Prisons

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 18 May 2006,  Official Report, column 1212W, on Leyhill Open Prison, how many of those prisoners that escaped and have been subsequently detained have  (a) been placed in a closed prison and  (b) had their sentences extended as a result, broken down by original offence.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 25 May 2006
	On recapture, prisoners who absconded are invariably returned to closed conditions for re-categorisation and for any investigations into possible criminal activity to be carried out. Absconding is generally treated as a disciplinary offence which is dealt with by an independent adjudicator who may extend the prisoner's sentence within the boundaries of the sentence left to serve. Data on individual cases are not held centrally.

Prisons

Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many mobile phones have been found in each of the prisons in Wales in possession of serving criminals in each of the past five years.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Mobile telephone finds are not recorded separately on the central database that records incidents. Information on the number of finds has been obtained by examination of textual entries and is listed in the table.
	
		
			  Mobile telephone finds in prisons in Wales 2000-05 
			   Prison name 
			   Cardiff  Swansea  Parc  Prescoed 
			 2000 0 0 0 0 
			 2001 0 0 0 0 
			 2002 1 0 0 0 
			 2003 2 0 2 0 
			 2004 6 0 4 0 
			 2005 4 1 5 0 
			 2006 4 0 6 0

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of prisoners at  (a) HM Prison Pentonville and  (b) HM Prison Lewes were delayed leaving for court between 27 February and 3 March; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The information is as follows.
	 (a) There were 321 prisoners discharged to court from Her Majesty's Prison Pentonville between 27 February and 3 March. The discharge of 29 per cent. of these prisoners was delayed by 15 minutes or more.
	 (b) There were 43 prisoners discharged to court from Her Majesty's Prison Lewes between 27 February and 3 March. There were no delays.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what level of security clearance is required for  (a) prison officers and  (b) serving police officers; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Prior to appointment as a prison officer, checks are conducted on an individual's identity, personal and employment references and criminal record history. Officers working in the High Security Estate are also subject to National Security Vetting at Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) level. In posts where prison officers have regular contact with juveniles a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check is also undertaken.
	Before appointment as a police officer, criminal record checks are carried out on an applicant and their family. Employment and education history are checked and references obtained. Local intelligence checks, financial vetting and security vetting are also carried out. All police officers are CTC checked.

Prisons

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Category A prisoners had their status downgraded in the weeks prior to their trial in each year from 2000 to 2005.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Information about numbers category A prisoners on remand who have their provisional categorisation downgraded in the weeks prior to their trial is not recorded centrally and is available only at disproportionate cost. Prisoners are categorised according to the risk they present, and prisoners' security category is assessed, decided, and kept under review in the light of all available information.

Prisons

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what targets his Department has set for the  (a) maximum and  (b) minimum time taken by prisoners to travel between courts and prisons.

Gerry Sutcliffe: There are no targets set for the maximum or minimum length of journey times between prisons and court. The contract sets agreed delivery times to court.

Prisons

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners have escaped from prisons in England and Wales in each of the last 10 years, broken down by prison.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Data on escapes from prisons in England and Wales are given in the following table. Prisons that have had no escapes in the last 10 years have been excluded from the table. Data about escapes from prisons in Scotland and Northern Ireland are available from the Scottish Executive and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland respectively.
	
		
			  Escapes from prisons in England and Wales between 1996-97 and 2005-06 
			  Establishment name  1996-97  1997-98  1998-99  1999-2000  2000-01  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06 
			 Aldington 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Altcourse 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Ashwell 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Belmarsh 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Blantyre House 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Blundeston 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Brinsford 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 0 0 
			 Bristol 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Brixton 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 
			 Buckley Hall 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Bullingdon 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 
			 Cardiff 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 
			 Castington 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0  
			 Coldingley 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Dartmoor 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 
			 Deerbolt 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Doncaster 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Dover 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Downview 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Eastwood Park 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Erlestoke 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Everthorpe 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Exeter 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Featherstone 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Feltham 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Ford 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Foston Hall 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Glen Parva 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Gloucester 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Grendon 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 
			 Guys Marsh 0 0 2 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 
			 Haslar 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Haverigg 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 
			 Hollesley Bay 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Hull 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Huntercombe 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Kirklevington 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Lancaster 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Latchmere House 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Leicester 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 
			 Lincoln 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Lindholme 0 0 1 8 0 0 0 1 0 0 
			 Littlehey 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 
			 Liverpool 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Low Newton 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Mount 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Norwich 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 
			 Oxford 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Parc 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 
			 Pentonville 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 
			 Portland 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Ranby 3 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Risley 3 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Rochester 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Rye Hill 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 
			 Send 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Stafford 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 
			 Stocken 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Styal 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Thorn Cross 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Verne 6 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 5 2 
			 Wealstun 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Weare 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 
			 Wellingborough 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Werrington 0 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 
			 Wetherby 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Winchester 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Wormwood Scrubs 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what mechanisms exist to ensure that information provided to HM Prison Service headquarters by individual prison establishments is accurate; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The following protocols ensure that appropriate quality assurances are maintained: Prison Service Order 7100 explains how key Prison Service performance measures are defined; clear approval and validation mechanisms are in place in the networked system for data collation; and further assurances are obtained by independent internal audit, to ensure that the data provided and the methodology for collation is correct.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of night sanitation arrangements at  (a) HP Prison Long Lartin and  (b) HM Prison Albany; what action he plans to take to improve such facilities; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Full reviews of sanitation arrangements at both establishments have been carried out recently. At Long Lartin the views of staff and prisoners were sought. A number of possible changes have been identified to improve access procedures as well as in-cell facilities. Revised access procedures are shortly to be the subject of a pilot trial. At Albany as a result of the review procedures were introduced to maximise the opportunity for prisoners to use the sanitation facilities.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what mechanisms exist to ensure that governing governor staff at HM Prison establishments comply with the requirements of the Prevention of Corruption Acts of 1906 and 1916; what assessment he has made of the compliance with the provisions of that legislation in London establishments; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: A Professional Standards Strategy and the Professional Standards Unit were established in February 2003 to tackle staff corruption in the Prison Service. The strategy is contained in Prison Service Order 1215 Professional Standards: Preventing and Handling Staff Wrongdoing. It sets out a policy framework and practical advice for staff, including governing governors, for obtaining, developing and dealing with information and intelligence on corrupt staff. It includes provision for confidential reporting and establishes the requirement to provide specialist professional standards managers at prison, area and national levels. The London Area Professional Standards Managers support and visit London establishments to monitor compliance with the strategy.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what mechanisms are in place to ensure that personal relationships in the Prison Service do not affect the implementation of Prison Service  (a) rules and  (b) disciplinary investigations; what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of these mechanisms; when he last discussed the operation of these arrangements; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The requirements on managers to ensure that personal relationships do not have detrimental impact on the implementation of prison rules and policies are set out in the staff handbook. In addition, senior managers commissioning disciplinary investigations are required to ensure that the investigating officer does not have a personal interest in the outcome of the investigation.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the policy of HM Prison Service regarding members of selection boards declaring interests in respect of particular candidates.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The policy of Her Majesty's Prison Service is that a panel member having a personal relationship with an applicant should declare this and withdraw from the panel.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the policy of HM Prison Service is on prison officers entering cells of inmates who are smokers; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Each prison develops its no smoking policy in line with current health and safety advice and taking into account the type of establishment it is, its population and its particular needs. Local arrangements also require staff to be protected from the effects of passive smoking. The Department of Health has set up a joint committee to consider implementation in the Prison Service of proposed new legislation on smoking in the workplace.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of senior operational managers in HM Prison Service in the London area achieved an exceeded rating on their Staff Performance and Development record for the year 2005-06; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Staff Performance and Development Records for 2005-06 are not due to be completed until 30 June 2006 and only two senior operational managers in London have so far had a marking recorded for 2005-06. One of these was an exceeded marking.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent assessment he has made of the incidence of bullying in the workplace in HM Prison Service; and if he will make a statement on the results derived from the most recent survey of Prison Service staff.

Gerry Sutcliffe: 19 per cent. of staff who responded to the 2005 Prison Service staff survey said they had experienced bullying in their current prison or headquarters group during the 12 months prior to the survey. The results have been discussed by the Prison Service Management Board and disseminated to staff. Local plans are being drawn up to take follow-up action.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what protocol governs the relationship between HM Prison Service area managers and the regional offender managers in the commissioning of services within the structure of the National Offender Management Service; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The relationship between HM Prison Service area managers and regional offender managers is governed through the Service Level Agreements which came into force on 1 April 2006.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how the phrase 'transitional facilities' is defined within the National Offender Management Service; and if he will make a statement on the aims and objectives of the project.

Gerry Sutcliffe: It is recognised that released prisoners often have difficulty in finding accommodation and employment and consequently run a greater risk of re-offending. The National Offender Management Service is exploring the development of prototype transitional facilities to manage offenders back into the community and minimise the risk of re-offending. This is part of the estates strategy and consultation is planned on the proposals.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what training is provided to governor grades at HM Prison Service establishments who authorise  (a) release under the Criminal Justice Acts,  (b) temporary release and  (c) release on home detention curfew; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The public sector Prison Service Training and Development Group provide courses on sentence calculation, which are attended by staff from all levels. They also provide a pocket guide to release on temporary licence, available in all establishments. In addition, there are a number of Prison Service Orders and Instructions available giving guidance to governors about release.

Prisons

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners convicted of either  (a) theft and  (b) possession of drugs have (i) attempted or (ii) committed suicide in UK prisons in each year since 1997.

Gerry Sutcliffe: There is no definition of what constitutes a 'suicide attempt' as it is very difficult to measure suicidal intent.
	The number of apparent self-inflicted deaths involving prisoners in England and Wales sentenced for offences of theft and drugs possession (including with intent), 1997 to 2005, is shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Number of apparent self-inflicted deaths involving prisoners sentenced 
			   Theft  Drugs possession 
			 1997 4 1 
			 1998 4 1 
			 1999 1 0 
			 2000 6 0 
			 2001 6 0 
			 2002 5 1 
			 2003 5 0 
			 2004 2 2 
			 2005 2 1 
			 Total 37 6 
			  Note: NOMS employs the term 'self-inflicted death' rather than suicide. This includes all those deaths where it appears the person may have acted specifically to take his/her own life and not only those that receive a 'suicide' or 'open' verdict at inquest.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the quality of resettlement work undertaken at HM Prison Albany; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Following the publication of a report by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons in April 2006, an action plan has been produced to address the recommendations contained in that report. These include the revision of the resettlement policy at Albany, based on a needs analysis, and the introduction of a case management model to ensure that prisoners' individual needs are adequately assessed and addressed.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to improve  (a) reception and  (b) first-night procedures at HM Prison Belmarsh; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: A new core day is being developed at Belmarsh prison, as part of a general improvement programme, which is expected to provide significant developments for prisoners in their first 12 hours in custody. This will include allowing prisoners more time out of cell and having the opportunity to see the doctor, the chaplaincy and listeners (Samaritans) and drug agencies. The purpose of the changes is to ensure that Belmarsh is able to effectively meet the immediate needs of the new prisoner.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the incidence of bullying at HM Prison Long Lartin; what action he is taking to reduce such bullying; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: To assist Long Lartin prison to target concerns raised by prisoners about violence in general, a violence reduction survey seeking prisoner views, including on bullying, has been completed. A report on the findings is expected to be available within the next month. The local violence reduction management team regularly meet to review areas of concern and consider improved management strategies including a review of bullying strategies.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the use of the segregation unit at HM Prison Long Lartin; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The segregation unit at Long Lartin manages some of the most difficult prisoners in the high security estate. Prisoners will normally be located there while serving a punishment for disciplinary reasons, where an individual is being particularly disruptive, or for a prisoner's own protection. All prisoners located in the segregation unit are first subject to a health risk assessment.
	The Long Lartin unit has seen a number of improvements over the past year, with a reduction of 30 per cent. in the number of prisoners located in the unit for a period greater than three months and the provision of safer cell facilities for those that may be at risk of self-harm.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the operation of the use of intermittent custody facilities at HM Prison Morton Hall; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The operation of intermittent custody at Morton Hall prison is part of a wider exercise to examine extension across male and female low security prisons. The Government are currently reviewing the learning from the pilots of intermittent custody.

Prisons

Henry Bellingham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to improve support for vulnerable women at HM Prison Morton Hall.

Gerry Sutcliffe: There is adequate support in place for vulnerable women at Morton Hall, notably through the reception and induction procedure, health care assessments, the anti-bullying strategy and the suicide and self-harm prevention policy. A specific local strategy is now being developed.

Probation Service

Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the evidential basis is for the Government's view that the introduction of contestability into the probation service will raise standards and reduce levels of re-offending.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The case for the introduction of contestability is strong. It is part of the Government's reform of public services and evidence from the National Audit Office supports our position. As demonstrated in the Partial Regulatory Impact Assessment, we expect performance to be driven up and resources to be released which can be reinvested in service provision.

Prolific and Priority Offender Strategy

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his Answer of 17 May 2006,  Official Report, column 1051W, on the Prolific and Priority Offender Strategy, what range of interventions are available to deal with youth offenders under the strategy in Peterborough; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: Young offenders who are targeted under the Prevent and Deter strand of the Prolific and other Priority Offender programme will receive interventions based on an assessment of their needs and the risks related to the likelihood of future offending.
	In Peterborough, these young people are reviewed on monthly basis by a multi-agency group which includes the Prolific and Priority Offender co-ordinator, the Youth Offending Service, the police, Connexions, Social Services, community safety staff and education and housing representatives. The group focuses on ensuring that the young people concerned do receive the appropriate interventions or support from the appropriate agencies to reduce the risk of further offending. The nature of the interventions received or support given will vary from case to case, so as to be responsive to the individual needs of the young person concerned.

Public Sector

Mark Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the Prime Minister's announcement on 15 May 2006, on public sector reform, what issues he has raised with the Prime Minister concerning this announcement.

Liam Byrne: holding answer 25 May 2006
	The Prime Minister wrote to the Home Secretary on the 15 May 2006 outlining his priorities for the Home Office and asked for a response in the form of an action plan by the end of June. The Home Secretary will respond to the Prime Minister's request within this timescale.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the operation of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; what recent representations he has received about the operation of this Act; and what amendments have been made to the Act.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act provides that, following a set period of time dependent on sentence, an offender must be regarded as a rehabilitated person and have his conviction treated as spent. Generally, a spent conviction does not have to be disclosed in reply to questions about a person's past, and the existence of a spent conviction may not lawfully be used to prejudice someone in securing employment.
	These rules do not apply to offenders who have been sentenced to a custodial period of more than 30 months, or to those applying for professions, occupations and licences covered by the Exceptions Order to the Act.
	There have been no substantial amendments made to the Act since it came into force in 1974. However, in order to increase public safety, we have made regular additions to the list of professions and occupations which, due to their sensitive nature, are excepted from protection under the Act.
	The legislation is intended to provide a balance between resettling ex-offenders and protecting the public and we receive regular correspondence recommending ways to best achieve that balance. In 2002 the Home Office produced a report entitled Breaking the Circle which proposed substantial reform of the ROA. It remains the case that the Government accept the majority of those proposals.
	We are now considering what is necessary to improve the disclosure regime in the light of the Bichard Report which dealt with criminal records in the context of the protection of children and vulnerable adults.

Schools (Weapons Incidents)

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many reported incidents there have been involving weapons at schools in England and Wales in each of the last five years, broken down by council area.

Vernon Coaker: The Home Office collects recorded crime data on offences of possession of offensive weapons. Within that offence classification, there are two offences relating to possession of a blade or other offensive weapon on school premises. However, these offences cannot be separately identified from other possession of weapons offences.

Security Industry Authority

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many companies were visited by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) prior to the 20 March deadline as part of Operation Forewarn; how many of those have been revisited since 20 March; and how many enforcement personnel employed by the SIA have been employed in checking licences since 20 March.

Vernon Coaker: holding answer 18 April 2006
	Operation Forewarn is one of a number of initiatives in a wider Security Industry Authority operation that will ensure senior employees of private security companies understand their legal obligations under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 (PSIA 2001).
	Prior to 20 March, 84 companies were issued with warnings as part of this initiative.
	Since 20 March the SIA has been carrying out a series of visits to customer sites as part of the next phase of compliance initiatives. At 7 April, 52 sites operated by 20 security companies were visited and security operatives checked. 55 SIA warning notices were issued to individuals who were found to be working unlawfully. Further details cannot be provided as this may prejudice ongoing and future operations involving compliance and investigation. An update will be provided and placed in the Library by the end of June.
	The SIA has a regionally based compliance team of 33.

Sentencing Guidelines

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce a graduated sliding scale into sentencing guidelines for early guilty pleas in criminal cases; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: holding answer 22 May 2006
	The Criminal Justice Act 2003 established the independent Sentencing Guidelines Council to frame sentencing guidelines. It issued a guideline on Reduction in Sentence for a Guilty Plea in December 2004. A copy can be found at www.sentencing-guidelines.gov.uk.

Staff Surveys

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff surveys have been conducted in his Department in each of the last three years.

Liam Byrne: The non-agency Home Office conducted staff surveys in 2004 and 2005. The Prison Service held three staff surveys, the Identification and Passport Service and the Criminal Records Bureau held one staff survey jointly and one staff survey each individually in the last three years.

Stolen Works of Art

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what recent discussions he has had with the police about the theft of works of art from private collections;
	(2)  what priority for policing he has made the recovery of stolen works of art;
	(3)  what resources he has made available to the police for the recovery of stolen works of art.

Tony McNulty: holding answer 22 May 2006
	My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has not met with the police service to discuss the theft of works of art from private collections. However, I am aware that senior officers from a number of forces recently met with representatives of the art and antiques trade to discuss a range of issues.
	The Government take all crime seriously and has a public service agreement target to reduce crime by 15 per cent. by 2007-08, and by more in high crime areas. This broader target gives police forces and authorities, together with communities and partners, flexibility to target the crimes that are of most pressing local concern.
	Police authorities and chief constables are required to have regard to the national strategic priorities when drawing up their local policing plans. One of these is tackling serious and organised crime, which may include theft of works of art from private collections.
	Both the National Criminal Intelligence Service and the National Crime Squad have in the past provided assistance to police forces in recovering art works and antiques. The Serious Organised Crime Agency will also play a role here.

US Extradition

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many UK citizens have been extradited from the UK to the US in each of the last five years; and on what charges in each case.

Joan Ryan: The Home Office does not keep a centralised record of the nationalities of those extradited from the UK. The Extradition Act 2003 contains a number of strong safeguards for all defendantsnationality itself does not determine an extradition request. Accordingly, while nationality may be noted in the records for some individual cases, complete figures of the type requested are not available.
	Figures for all persons extradited from England and Wales to the US, for each of the last five complete calendar years, are given as follows. The figures do not include requests granted by Ministers in Scotland and Northern Ireland, who have devolved powers to grant requests.
	The offences given in these figures do not represent detailed legal descriptions of all of the charges (which can be complex and multiple) within each request. Instead brief headline names are given for the principal offences in the requests concerned.
	
		
			   Number 
			  2001  
			 Child abuse 1 
			 Child abduction 2 
			 Drugs offences 2 
			 Fraud 2 
			 Murder 1 
			 Total 8 
			   
			  2002  
			 Bank robbery 1 
			 Child enticement 1 
			 Drugs offences 1 
			 Extortion 2 
			 Money laundering/drugs 1 
			 Murder 1 
			 Theft 3 
			 Wire or mail fraud 2 
			 Total 12 
			  2003  
			 Drugs offences 2 
			 Fraud 2 
			 Securities fraud 1 
			 Theft 1 
			 Total 6 
			   
			  2004  
			 Drugs offences 2 
			 Fraud 2 
			 Mail fraud 1 
			 Murder 1 
			 Sexual assault on child 2 
			 Total 8 
			   
			 2005  
			 Child abduction 1 
			 Drugs offences 8 
			 GBH with intent 1 
			 Indecent assault 1 
			 Theft 2 
			 Total 13

Vandalism (Cemeteries)

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people aged  (a) 0 to 17 and  (b) 18 plus years were charged with criminal damage to cemeteries and subsequently convicted in each year since 1997.

Gerry Sutcliffe: It is not possible to separately identify convictions for criminal damage to cemeteries, as this information is not collected at that level of detail from the Court Proceedings database held by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform.
	It is also not possible to identify cases where people have been charged with criminal damage to cemeteries, as this information is not held centrally by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform.

Victim Support

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what procedures are in place to ensure that victims of crime and their families are provided with all the necessary support throughout the criminal justice process.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The code of practice for victims of crime, introduced in April this year, gives victims a statutory right to receive information about their case at crucial points.
	We fund the voluntary organisation Victim Support with 30 million annually to provide emotional support and practical information to victims and witnesses of crime. Last year Victim Support helped 1.3 million people and their witness service supported almost 400,000 witnesses, victims, families and friends.
	In addition there are 165 Witness Care Units in England and Wales, ensuring that witnesses receive a tailor-made service, with their individual needs considered from the time a statement is first taken.

Weapons Offences

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were convicted of an offence involving  (a) a knife and  (b) a gun in (i) Gloucestershire and (ii) Stroud in each of the last five years; and how many of those convictions resulted in a prison sentence.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Data from the court proceedings database held by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform on the number of people convicted of offences specifically relating to knives, firearms or offensive weapons in (i) Gloucestershire and (ii) Stroud, can be found in the table.
	It is not possible to separately identify other offences which involved guns or knives as the circumstances of the offences are not collected.
	Court statistics for 2005 will be available in autumn 2006.
	
		
			  Number of people convicted at all courts and of those for offences involving knives and guns, the number of those placed in immediate custody in Gloucestershire police force area, 2000-04( 1) 
			Found guilty 
			  Offence act  Offence description  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Sec 17(1) (Group II) as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 1972 S28(2). Using firearms or imitation firearms to resist arrest. 0 0 0 0 1 
			 Prevention of Crime Act 1953 Sec.1(1) as amended by Offensive Weapons Act 1996 S.2(1). Possession of offensive weapons without lawful authority or reasonable excuse. 30 36 43 32 36 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Sec 17(2) (Group I) as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 1972 S28(3). Possessing firearms or imitation fire arm at time of committing or being arrested for an offence specified in schedule 1 of the Act. 1 1 1 0 1 
			 Firearms Act 1968 Sec 16A (as amended by Firearms (Amendment) Act 1994) Group I. Possession of a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. 2 2 3 1 5 
			 Firearms Act 1968 Sec 16A (as amended by Firearms (Amendment) Act 1994) (Group II). Possession of a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. 0 0 1 0 0 
			 Criminal Justice Act 1988 S.139 as amended by Offensive Weapons Act 1996 S.3. Having an article with blade or point in public place. 17 24 26 32 42 
			 Criminal Justice Act 1988 S.139A (2X5Xb) as added by Offensive Weapons Act 1996 S.4(1). Possession of offensive weapons without lawful authority or reasonable excuse on school premises. 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Firearms Act 1968 (Group I) Sec 1(1),as amended by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, Sec.157, Sch.8 part III Possessing etc firearm or ammunition without firearm certificate. 0 3 3 1 3 
			 Firearms Act 1968, Sec 2(1) (Group II) as amended by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, Sec.157 Sch.8 part III. Possessing etc shot gun without certificate. 5 6 4 1 2 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Sec 5(1) (Group I) as amended by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, Sec.157 Sch.8 part III. Possessing or distributing prohibited weapons or ammunition. 6 5 3 9 3 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Sec 19 (Group I) as amended by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, Sec.157 Sch.8 part III. Carrying loaded firearm in public place etc. 0 0 0 1 1 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Sec 21(4) (Group I) as amended by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, Sec.157 Sch.8 part III. Possession of firearms by persons previously convicted of crime. 0 0 0 1 1 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Sec 21(4) (Group II) as amended by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, Sec.157 Sch.8 part III. Possession of firearms by persons previously convicted of crime. 1 0 1 0 0 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Sec 21(4) (Group III) as amended by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, Sec.157 Sch.8 part III. Possession of firearms by persons previously convicted of crime. 0 0 1 0 1 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Sec 19 (Group III) Carrying loaded firearm in public place etc. 1 0 3 1 2 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Sec 22(5) (Group III) Person under 17 having with him an air weapon in a public place. 0 0 0 1 0 
		
	
	
		
			Immediate custody 
			2000  2001  2002  2003  2004 
			  Offence act  Offence description  
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Sec 17(1) (Group II) as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 1972 S28(2). Using firearms or imitation firearms to resist arrest. 0 0 0 0 1 
			 Prevention of Crime Act 1953 Sec.1(1) as amended by Offensive Weapons Act 1996 S.2(1). Possession of offensive weapons without lawful authority or reasonable excuse. 5 6 1 3 4 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Sec 17(2) (Group I) as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 1972 S28(3). Possessing firearms or imitation fire arm at time of committing or being arrested for an offence specified in schedule 1 of the Act. 0 0 0 0 1 
			 Firearms Act 1968 Sec 16A (as amended by Firearms (Amendment) Act 1994) Group I. Possession of a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. 1 0 0 0 3 
			 Firearms Act 1968 Sec 16A (as amended by Firearms (Amendment) Act 1994) (Group II). Possession of a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. 0 0 1 0 0 
			 Criminal Justice Act 1988 S.139 as amended by Offensive Weapons Act 1996 S.3. Having an article with blade or point in public place. 3 1 3 3 8 
			 Criminal Justice Act 1988 S.139A (2X5Xb) as added by Offensive Weapons Act 1996 S.4(1). Possession of offensive weapons without lawful authority or reasonable excuse on school premises. 0 0 0 1 0 
			 Firearms Act 1968 (Group I) Sec 1(1),as amended by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, Sec.157, Sch.8 part III Possessing etc firearm or ammunition without firearm certificate. 0 1 0 0 0 
			 Firearms Act 1968, Sec 2(1) (Group II) as amended by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, Sec.157 Sch.8 part III. Possessing etc shot gun without certificate. 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Sec 5(1) (Group I) as amended by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, Sec.157 Sch.8 part III. Possessing or distributing prohibited weapons or ammunition. 0 0 0 2 1 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Sec 19 (Group I) as amended by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, Sec.157 Sch.8 part III. Carrying loaded firearm in public place etc. 0 0 0 1 0 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Sec 21(4) (Group I) as amended by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, Sec.157 Sch.8 part III. Possession of firearms by persons previously convicted of crime. 0 0 0 0 1 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Sec 21(4) (Group II) as amended by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, Sec.157 Sch.8 part III. Possession of firearms by persons previously convicted of crime. 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Sec 21(4) (Group III) as amended by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, Sec.157 Sch.8 part III. Possession of firearms by persons previously convicted of crime. 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Sec 19 (Group III) Carrying loaded firearm in public place etc. 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Firearms Act, 1968 Sec 22(5) (Group III) Person under 17 having with him an air weapon in a public place. 0 0 0 0 0 
			 (1) These data are provided on the principal offence basis.  Source: RDSOffice for Criminal Justice Reform

Work Permits

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many work permit applications from foreign employees of farmers in Bassetlaw have been refused in each of the last five years.

Liam Byrne: Only one work permit application (made in 2005) has been refused within the last five years. The data are from local management information and are therefore provisional and subject to change.

Work Permits

John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for work permits for migrant workers his Department received from race horse trainers on behalf of trainee jockeys in the last year for which figures are available.

Liam Byrne: Home Office records show that no work permit applications were submitted by race horse trainers in respect of trainee jockeys in the calendar year of 2005, the last full year for which figures are available.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

32 (The Royal) Squadron

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why 32 (The Royal) Squadron made two return flights to Brussels on 21 January 2003 on behalf of the Minister for Europe; and if he will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: This Department has no record of my right hon. Friend the then Minister for Europe my right hon. Friend the Member for Rotherham (Mr. MacShane) using 32 (The Royal) Squadron on 21 January 2003.

Afghanistan

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the likely effect on the security situation in Helmand Province, Afghanistan of the increase in opium production in 2004-05.

Kim Howells: According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime figures, 2004-05 saw a 21 per cent. reduction in the level of opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan. However, production decreased by only 2.4 per cent. as improved weather conditions and less disease resulted in higher yields per hectare. This was particularly the case in Helmand Province, where opium production increased despite a 10 per cent. fall in the area under cultivation.
	It would be speculation to draw a link between an increase in opium production in 2004-05 and the security situation in Helmand. However, it is clear that the drugs trade flourishes in a lawless environment. It also contributes to the perpetuation of that environment and hinders the reconstruction process.
	That is why the UK is supporting the Government of Afghanistan to implement its National Drug Control Strategy, including by co-ordinating international assistance designed to target the trafficker and the trade, strengthen and diversify legal rural livelihoods, build effective counter narcotics institutions and reduce domestic demand. More broadly, our wider military and civilian engagement in Helmand Province will help to create a more secure environment and develop Afghanistan's institutions and legitimate economy.

Arms Control

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress the Government are making in ensuring that the UN General Assembly mandates a start to negotiations for the international arms treaty in 2006; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: We are working to build support for the launch of a UN based process to take forward the initiative for an international treaty on the arms trade. In 2005, support was secured from both the EU and the Commonwealth. In 2006 my hon. Friend the Minister for the Middle East made a speech making the case for a treaty while on a visit to the United Nations in Geneva. Speaking to the assembled diplomatic community, my right hon. Friend the then Foreign Secretary also spoke about the UK's commitment to the arms trade treaty in a speech at Mansion House on April 26. In addition, we have conducted a global awareness raising and lobbying exercise through our network of diplomatic posts, and are in contact with a wide range of partners to secure the consensus needed for the start of a formal process to be agreed at the UN General Assembly later this year.

Ascension Island

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs who owns the freeholds to the dwellings leased to Ascension Island workers.

Geoff Hoon: The Crown in right of Ascension holds the freeholds for all property on Ascension Island.
	Various organisations on Ascension (the Users) have the physical use or occupation of various parcels of land by consent of the Crown.
	The organisations provide residential property to workers on Ascension Island as required under the Workman's Protection (Ascension) Ordinance. The obligation under this legislation is to provide suitable living accommodation for the worker.

Ascension Island

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of the domestic dwellings on Ascension Island are  (a) freehold and  (b) leasehold properties.

Geoff Hoon: The Crown, in right of Ascension Island, holds the freehold of all domestic dwellings on Ascension Island. Ascension has a system of registered title to land; all land (including domestic dwellings) is registered as freehold land owned by the Crown; there are no registered leasehold interests on domestic dwellings on Ascension Island.
	Ascension Island Government have entered into arrangements with four individuals to occupy properties on the basis that they are conducting business which is deemed to be essential to the functioning of the Island.

Biodiversity

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps her Department plans to take to monitor the extent to which public bodies which report to her comply, from October, with their duty to conserve biodiversity in exercising their functions, under section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.

Geoff Hoon: Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials will shortly be discussing with public bodies which report to my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary their plans for complying with applicable requirements of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.

Biodiversity

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which Minister in her Department is responsible for monitoring her Department's compliance with its duty under section 74 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to have regard to the purpose of conserving biological diversity in carrying out its functions; and if she will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) monitors biological diversity on our UK estate as part of our Environmental Management Systems (EMS). We are currently integrating the EMS covering our two Whitehall buildings, which is certified to International Standards Organisation (ISO) 14001: 2004, with the EMS operating on our rural site at Hanslope Park in Buckinghamshire. We plan to extend ISO certification to Hanslope Park in the autumn.
	To determine biological diversity at Hanslope Park we commissioned a survey of the site in 2004. This found no habitats or species that we have a statutory duty to conserve. An assessment of the FCO's two Whitehall buildings reached the same conclusion. We have therefore not nominated a Minister to be responsible for monitoring compliance under section 74 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. We will keep this under review.

Black/Asian Employees

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many  (a) black and Asian and  (b) other people are employed in her Department's press office.

Geoff Hoon: Information on ethnicity is collected on a voluntary and in-confidence basis. Because of the small sample size we are unable to give the information requested on the grounds of confidentiality.

British Passport Holders

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many people living permanently in  (a) Nigeria and  (b) Pakistan hold a UK passport.

Kim Howells: We estimate that approximately 16,000 British nationals live permanently in Nigeria and hold a British passport and approximately 35,000 British nationals live permanently in Pakistan and hold a British passport. These figures are based on passport issues at our deputy high commission in Lagos and our high commission in Islamabad respectively.
	Many Pakistanis are dual nationals who obtain a passport in the UK but live for a large part of the year in Pakistan. Consular officials estimate that there may be times when the actual figure of British passport holders residing in Pakistan could be as high as 80,000.

Burma

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his assessment is of the extent of nuclear technology transfer from North Korea to Burma; and if he will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: The Government are aware of media reports about the alleged transfer of nuclear technology from North Korea to Burma, but are not able to corroborate these reports.

Burma

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations she has made to the Government of Burma about actions by the Burmese army against the Karen, Karenni and Shan peoples.

Ian McCartney: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 16 May 2006,  Official Report, column 893W, and the answer my right hon. Friend the Minister for Europe gave on 23 May 2006,  Official Report, columns 1626-27W.

Burma

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what her assessment is of the prospects for the release of Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: The Government condemn the Burmese regime's decision to extend the house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi. The Burmese Government have given no indication that she is likely to be released in the near future.
	I issued a statement on 31 May expressing the Government's concern about the continued detention of Aung San Suu Kyi, calling for her immediate release and the release of all other prisoners of conscience in Burma.
	The statement can be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth office website at: http://www.fco.gov. uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPagec=Pagecid=1007029391629a=KArticleaid=1148473573847.

Burma

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans the Government have to engage with Burmese authorities following the recent visit to Burma of the UN Under Secretary General for Political Affairs.

Ian McCartney: The Government have no plans to engage with the Burmese authorities regarding the visit of the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs. The Government will continue to work with the UN and international partners to encourage the Burmese Government to bring about national reconciliation and the restoration of democracy.

Chile

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations she has made to the Government of Chile about the destruction of glaciers in the Andean Cordillera region as part of the Pascua Lama Project.

Geoff Hoon: We have not made any specific representations to the Chilean Government over the Pascua Lama Project, but we co-operate with the Chilean Government on a number of global and environmental issues including climate change. Any activity as part of the Pascua Lama Project that will have an impact on glaciers in the Andean Cordillera region will have to comply with Chile's environmental regulations. The Chilean Government takes this matter seriously.

China

Jonathan Djanogly: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government have made to the Chinese authorities in the case of Mr. Ching Cheong, a British national arrested under spying charges in China on 22 April 2005.

Ian McCartney: We have pressed the Chinese authorities for information on the circumstances of Mr. Ching Cheong's detention, in demarches in October 2005 and March 2006 but received no reply. We will continue to seek information on his case. Although Mr. Ching holds a British National (overseas) passport he did not use this passport to enter China and Mr. Ching is deemed by the Chinese authorities to be a Chinese national.

China

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government have made to the Government of China on the limitation of information available on Google or Skype services in China; and if she will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: It is for the companies involved to answer questions about their decision to co-operate with the Chinese Government on restrictions on the internet and on messages sent using their software. The government believes that freedom of information is essential to the development of a modern, stable and sustainable society. We are very concerned about the apparent hardening of Chinese policy on freedom of expression, including in relation to the Internet. We made this a theme of our bilateral human rights dialogue with the Chinese in June 2005 and the UK-led EU-China Human Rights Dialogue in October 2005. Freedom of expression will also be on the agenda for the next round of the dialogue in June. We continue to raise our concerns with the Chinese Government.

China

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the recent report from the US Department of Defence entitled Annual Report to Congress: Military Power of the People's Republic of China.

Ian McCartney: I have yet to assess the report in detail. However, the central themes of the report including China's need to increase transparency in its military planning and budgeting, to guard against the risks of miscalculation in the Taiwan Straits, and for China to build up its bilateral co-operation and engagement as a responsible stakeholder in the international community are ones which the Government broadly share.

Colombia

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment her Department has made of the human rights situation in Colombia.

Geoff Hoon: We keep the human rights situation in Colombia under constant review and frequently raise specific human rights cases with the relevant Colombian authorities. We remain concerned about the situation faced by civil society in Colombia. While the human rights situation clearly remains unacceptable, we feel that some progress has been made and it is important to recognise this. Figures for 2005 demonstrate that the number of murders, kidnappings, displacements and massacres generally decreased by comparison with those for 2004. Much more needs to be done, however. The UK's objective is to support both the Government of Colombia and civil society through projects that promote human rights, democracy and good governance.

Colombia

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations her Department has made to the Government of Colombia about the human rights situation in Colombia.

Geoff Hoon: We make frequent representations to the Colombian Government on human rights issues, through our embassy in Bogota, through the EU and other international groupings, and in contacts with visiting Colombian officials in London. We also regularly raise specific cases of concern with the Colombian Government. My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Lord Triesman of Tottenham, most recently did so with Foreign Minister Barco of Colombia on 12 May in the margins of the European Union-Latin America and Caribbean summit in Vienna. Human rights are at the heart of our policy towards Colombia. We consistently urge the Colombian Government to implement recommendations arising from successive annual reports of the United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights and have offered to help them to do so.

Colombia

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the prospects for peace in Colombia in the lead up to presidential elections.

Geoff Hoon: There are some encouraging signs. As indicated in the Ministerial Conclusions on Colombia of the Council of the European Union in October last year, we and other EU member states consider that the effective and transparent implementation of the Law on Justice and Peace, under which more than 30,000 paramilitaries in Colombia have now demobilised, will have a positive impact on peace-building in Colombia.
	The Colombian Government are talking actively with the National Liberation Army, a left-wing illegal armed group. The last round of talks took place in Cuba last month, and further talks are scheduled for later this year. However, the Colombian Government's recent efforts to begin preliminary talks with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, the countries biggest illegal armed group, have been consistently rejected by the guerrillas. We hope that, after the elections, the incoming government will continue actively to promote peace in Colombia. We will continue to support Colombia in its efforts to tackle the inter-connected problems arising from the internal armed conflict, the trade in illegal drugs and human rights abuses.

Colombia

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make representations to the Government of Colombia on the use of military justice for civilians caught up in violent episodes.

Geoff Hoon: We encourage the Colombian Government to ensure that the civilian justice system is used where appropriate, rather than the military justice system. Indeed, the UK is currently funding a project in support of the reform of the Colombian military justice system, aimed at making it more transparent and accountable. One of the additional objectives of the reforms is to ensure there is a very clear delineation between those cases where military justice procedures are applicable and those that should be dealt with by civilian courts. The subordination of the military justice system to the civil system is fundamental to this reform process. We will continue to work with the Colombian authorities to help improve this key area of governance.

Correspondence

Michael Spicer: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when she expects to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for West Worcestershire of 8 February 2006, transferred from the Department of Trade and Industry on 5 April.

Ian McCartney: I replied to the hon. Member today.

Cuba

Colin Burgon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the position of the UK Government will be at the EU review of the Common Position on Cuba in June 2006.

Geoff Hoon: The UK's policy towards Cuba, which is shared with our EU partners, is set out in the EU Common Position of 1996. The main objective of the Common Position is to encourage a peaceful transition to pluralist democracy in Cuba.
	We are maintaining a close dialogue with our EU partners ahead of the review of the EU common position in June. As part of this process, we have been monitoring closely developments in the political and human rights situation in Cuba over the last year. Taking our findings into account, we will seek a consensus view with our EU partners in June.

Cuba

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what position the Government will take during discussion of the European Union's Common Position on Cuba in June; and if she will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: The UK's policy towards Cuba, which is shared with our EU partners, is set out in the EU Common Position of 1996. The main objective of the Common Position is to encourage a peaceful transition to pluralist democracy in Cuba.
	We are maintaining a close dialogue with our EU partners ahead of the review of the EU Common Position in June. As part of this process, we have been monitoring closely developments in the political and human rights situation in Cuba over the last year. Taking our findings into account, we will seek a consensus view with our EU partners in June.

Departmental Bills (Amendments)

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will list the occasions when an amendment has been moved by  (a) a Labour Back Bencher,  (b) an Opposition Back Bencher and  (c) an Opposition Front Bench spokesman to a Bill sponsored by her Department that has been accepted by her Department during the 2005-06 Session; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: There have been no such occasions. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has led on two Government Bills in the current Session. The European Union (Accessions) Bill passed through both Houses without amendment and has received Royal Assent. The European Union Bill has been read the first time in this House and has been printed, but has not made further progress.

Departmental Estate

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make it her policy to furnish UK embassies and high commissions with furniture made in the UK; and if she will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office aims to furnish embassies and high commissions with contemporary furniture taking account of health and safety, sustainability, the availability of supplies and local climatic factors. Decisions on procurement are taken in accordance with relevant UK and EU rules. Our missions furnish properties with furniture made in the UK when it represents best value for money to the British taxpayer.

East Timor

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support the United Kingdom is giving to East Timor following the deployment of UN troops as part of a peacekeeping mission.

Ian McCartney: The East Timorese Government asked for the assistance of Australia, Portugal, Malaysia and New Zealand to dispatch defence and security forces under bilateral arrangements. We have, as a member of the UN Security Council, expressed our full support for these deployments and for the intention of the UN Secretary-General to send a special envoy to East Timor in order to facilitate the political dialogue.

East Timor

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions she has had with the United Nations and member states about ensuring that Indonesian military officers named in the Report of East Timor's Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation for either violations or command responsibility for troops accused of violations are brought to justice.

Ian McCartney: We have had no discussions in the UN about the Report of East Timor's Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR). It is for the UN Secretary-General to decide whether to disseminate the report within the UN for discussion in the Security Council.
	The UK has consistently expressed concern about impunity for those responsible for the human rights abuses in East Timor, particularly in 1999. We helped support the CAVR and the Special Panels processes, and we also helped fund the Commission of Experts' report.
	We note the decision of the Government of East Timor to pursue these issues with Indonesia through their bilateral Commission for Truth and Friendship (CTF). We have encouraged both Governments to make the CTF a process that enjoys the confidence of the victims and the international community.

East Timor

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will publish the Government's response to the 'Report of East Timor's Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation', officially submitted to her Department in February.

Ian McCartney: We have made no formal response to the Report.

East Timor

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether she has made representations to the Government of East Timor about the alleged human rights violations recently committed by members of the police force in East Timor.

Ian McCartney: Our ambassador in Dili speaks to the Government of East Timor on the subject of police behaviour on regular occasions, and we are involved in a training and development programme with the national police. We are encouraging the Government of East Timor to take all necessary steps to end the current violence with clue respect for human rights and to restore a secure and stable environment.

East Timor

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment she has made of the internal situation in East Timor; and if she will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: We are concerned by the deterioration of the situation in East Timor and the resulting casualties and urge all concerned to bring an end to the violence and resolve the problems within the framework of the constitution and laws.
	We welcome the quick response of the countries approached by the East Timorese Government to provide assistance and the wider support for this of the international community through the UN. We have, as a member of the UN Security Council, expressed our full support for deployment of international troops and for the decision of the UN Secretary-General to send a special envoy to East Timor in order to facilitate the political dialogue.
	Our ambassador in Dili is liaising closely with the Government of East Timor and other embassies.

East Timor

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions she has had with the Government of Australia about the peacekeeping force being sent to East Timor.

Ian McCartney: My right. hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has had no discussions with the Government of Australia about the international forces being deployed to East Timor, but our officials have been liaising closely with the Australians in Dili, Canberra and in the UN.
	The East Timorese Government asked for assistance from Australia, Portugal, Malaysia and New Zealand to dispatch defence and security forces under bilateral arrangements. The UK has not been asked to provide troops but is fully supportive of these deployments and has played an active role in gaining the support of the UN Security Council.

Eid-Ul-Adha

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many staff from her Department attended the Civil Service Islamic Society Eid-Ul-Adha event in London in 2005; and what the total cost was to her Department of their attendance.

Geoff Hoon: My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will write to the hon. Member with details of the Civil Service Islamic Society Eid-Ul-Adha event. Copies of her letter will be placed in the Library.

Engagements

James Arbuthnot: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions in the last six months she or her predecessor has received a request to meet the ambassador or high commissioner of  (a) Georgia,  (b) Bulgaria,  (c) Mozambique,  (d) Kazakhstan and  (e) Chile; and on how many occasions he or she acceded to such a request.

Geoff Hoon: I am not aware of any requests from the ambassadors or high commissioners of the named countries to meet my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, or her predecessor, in the last six months. However we maintain good relations with all the countries concerned and ambassadors and high commissioners routinely accompany senior level visitors from their countries on any ministerial calls in the UK.

Equatorial Guinea

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations she has made to the Government of Equatorial Guinea concerning the extradition request of UK citizen Simon Mann from Zimbabwe to that country.

Kim Howells: We are aware that the Equatorial Guinean authorities are seeking Simon Mann's extradition from Zimbabwe. We are providing all appropriate consular assistance to Mr. Mann and his next of kin in the UK and will remain in contact with them as legal proceedings progress. At this stage, we have no plans to raise Mr. Mann's case with the Government of Equatorial Guinea.

Ethiopia/Eritrea

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the British Government have made to  (a) the USA,  (b) the EU,  (c) the UN,  (d) the African Union and  (e) Nigeria as guarantors of the final and binding Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission ruling in 2001; what steps the British Government have taken directly in relation to the two countries to ensure that this agreement is implemented; what role the five guarantors have in such implementation; and what steps she is taking to reduce the tension arising as a result of the non-implementation of the agreement.

Ian McCartney: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed the Ethiopia-Eritrea border dispute with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Alpha Konare, on 22 May. My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Lord Triesman of Tottenham, met the US Assistant Secretary of State on 16 May and Alpha Konare on 22 May and discussed a range of issues including the Ethiopia-Eritrea border dispute. Officials regularly discuss the question with EU colleagues at Africa working groups, and we play an active part in the preparation of relevant UN Security Council Resolutions; the most recent of which was agreed on 31 May. Nigeria is not a witness to the Algiers Agreement.
	The witnesses to the Algiers Agreement met in New York in February, preparing the way for meetings of the Boundary Commission to resume in London.
	Bilaterally we continue to urge both parties to implement the Boundary Commission's decision and to demarcate their common frontier. We continue to press Eritrea to lift its restrictions on the UN Mission to Ethiopia and Eritrea to allow it to fulfil its mandate. Alongside our commitment to the Boundary Commission decision, we urge on both sides and at the UN Security Council steps to normalise relations on either side of the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Ethiopia/Eritrea

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions she has had with the Government of Ethiopia on the border dispute with Eritrea over Badme; what the Ethiopian Government's position was on the issue; when she expects demarcation to begin in and around Badme; and if she will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Lord Triesman of Tottenham, raised the Ethiopia-Eritrea border dispute with the new Ethiopian ambassador on 14 March and our ambassador in Addis Ababa discussed it with Prime Minister Meles on 20 May.
	It is not for the Government to comment on the Ethiopian Government's position on this issue. The Ethiopian Government have engaged in two meetings of the Ethiopia Eritrea Boundary Commission in London to discuss border demarcation and further discussions are planned.
	We continue to urge both parties to implement the Boundary Commission's decision and to demarcate their common frontier. In this context, we have taken an active role in the UN Security Council which confirmed, on 31 May (UN Security Council Resolution 1681), commitment to both resolution of the border demarcation and normalisation of relations between both countries on either side of the border.

EU External Relations

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the concept paper on EU external relations tabled by the Commission President.

Kim Howells: The Commission President, Mr. Barroso, has yet to submit to the full Commission his paper on the EU's external relations. However, I understand that he plans to do this on 7 June 2006 and to then put the paper before the June European Council on 15-16 June 2006.
	We will of course set out the Government's view of the paper in an explanatory memorandum to the House, once we have received it.

European Communication Policy

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what her Department's timetable is for setting out its initial views on the Commission's White Paper on European Communication Policy published on 1 February 2006.

Geoff Hoon: The Government presented its broad approach to the European Commission's White Paper on European Communication Policy in its explanatory memorandum dated 10 March 2006. This memorandum summarises the most important points of the White Paper and sets out the Government's initial response. Officials have also given the Government's initial views on the White Paper at working level in Brussels. A formal response to the White Paper will be given by the Government before the end of the consultation period in July.

European Constitution

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what written submission the UK Government  (a) has made and  (b) plans to make in advance of discussions on a European Constitution at the Council of Ministers Meeting on 27th May.

Geoff Hoon: The Government did not produce any written submission in advance of the Klosterneuburg informal meeting, which took place on 27 and 28 May.

European Council

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether proposals were tabled by the British EU presidency for consideration by the European Council that council meetings should be held in public.

Geoff Hoon: A copy of the UK proposals on transparency was sent to the Chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee and the Chairman of the Select European Union Committee in November 2005. The Parliamentary Scrutiny Committees were informed of the agreed Council conclusions on increased transparency under cover of an explanatory memorandum in January 2006.

European Council

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will publish prior to the June 2006 European Council her Department's evaluation of UK activities during the period of reflection, setting out the extent to which they have achieved the stated objectives of  (a) generating broad debate and  (b) building consensus around the future direction of the EU.

Geoff Hoon: The process of generating a broad debate and building consensus around the future direction of the EU is ongoing, including work in the House and more broadly in the public domain. The European Commission's recent report A Citizen's Agenda for Europe shows that the Commission and the EU are increasingly focused on the priorities that the UK has been promoting, namely delivering real benefits in areas that matter to citizens.
	Internal evaluation of the cost effectiveness of all activities is continuing. We have no plans to publish a formal evaluation of UK activities beyond the response given to the presidency and General Secretariat of the Council in response to their questionnaire. A copy of the questionnaire and the UK response will be placed in the Library of the House on 15 June.

European Security and Defence Policy

Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of the EU's External Relations budget line was spent on European Security and Defence Policy initiatives in the most recent period for which figures are available.

Geoff Hoon: In 2005, the most recent period for which complete figures are available, approximately 1 per cent. (57 million) of the External Actions budget line was spent on activities carried out under European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). In addition to ESDP, the External Actions budget line covered: aid, development assistance to non-EU countries, such as Balkan states and Latin America, reconstruction in Iraq, combating poverty-related diseases, the fight against drugs and regional programmes including reconstruction efforts in the tsunami hit areas.

European Security and Defence Policy

Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether European Security and Defence Policy initiatives are financed exclusively from the Common Foreign and Security Policy budget line.

Geoff Hoon: Common costs, e.g. salary for Heads of Mission, office space and equipment, of civilian European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) activities are paid for from the Common Foreign Security Policy budget which is part of the overall European Commission budget. Military ESDP initiatives are funded through the intergovernmental ATHENA mechanism, a facility set up to enable EU member states to contribute on a gross domestic product key towards common financing of certain aspects of EU operations with military and defence implications, such as incremental costs for, deployable or fixed, head quarters for EU-led operations, capital expenditure on communications equipment. Other costs for military ESDP operations lie where they fall on participating member states.

Extraordinary Rendition

Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what investigations into flights to, from and over the UK in connection with the practice of extraordinary rendition the UK plans to make in response to the recommendations of the Council of Europe's interim assessment.

Kim Howells: The Government have already carried out an extensive investigation into these allegations. The UK is fully co-operating with the ongoing inquiries by the Council of Europe.

Farsi Broadcasting

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps she is taking to encourage provision of television and radio broadcasts in Farsi by the BBC.

Ian McCartney: I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the then Foreign Secretary to the hon. Member for South-West Hertfordshire (Mr. Gauke) on 17 March 2006,  Official Report, column 2531W.
	The BBC World Service already provides a dedicated radio and online vernacular language service in Farsi. In October 2005, it announced its intention to also explore the development of a Farsi TV service as part of its 2010 strategy for a tri-media presence in its priority languages. BBC World Service is currently assessing the costs and benefits of launching such a service and will present its findings to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

France

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's objectives are for the forthcoming UK-French summit on 9 June.

Geoff Hoon: The Government's primary objective for the UK-France summit will be to further improve co-operation across a range of policy areas. These include energy, climate change, Africa/development, defence, foreign policy, Europe, immigration, counter-terrorism, education and consular co-operation. Agreements reached will be detailed in a summit communiqu.
	We will also aim to produce a declaration on the defence relationship reaffirming the British and French Governments' commitment to work together, both bilaterally and within EU, NATO and UN frameworks. The focus here will be threats and challenges to our security and defence and to that of our allies and partners.
	Education Ministers will also sign a renewed Memorandum of Understanding with a view to strengthening co-operation and making progress towards the Lisbon Agenda goals.

Future of the EU

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps her Department has taken to ensure that the stocktaking exercise of the progress of national debates on the future of the EU to be prepared by the Austrian EU presidency at the June 2006 European Council takes account of the views of the British people.

Geoff Hoon: The Government believe that, at the June European Council and beyond, Europe needs to focus on the policies that deliver real benefits to its citizens, and on the economic reforms needed to make the EU competitive in today's global economy, rather than institutional issues.
	The Commission's report on the Period of Reflection and Plan-D reflected the findings of a Eurobarometer poll of public opinion in the EU, including in the UK. It noted that:
	citizens tend to consider institutional questions abstract and complex and to show more interest in concrete policies affecting their daily life, such as employment, environment or energy.
	Parliamentary and public debate will continue to feed into the policy process and be reflected in the UK position at the June European Council.

Gibraltar

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Minister for Europe's meeting with the chief Minister of Gibraltar on 22 May 2006 resulted in an agreement to publish the preamble to the Constitution prior to a referendum being held; and if she will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: At our meeting on 22 May 2006, I agreed with the Chief Minister that we should take account of the concerns of the people of Gibraltar and publish the preamble to the Constitution prior to the referendum. Officials are now taking this forward. We will make a further announcement once the final text is settled.

Guinea

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment she has made of the political situation in Guinea.

Ian McCartney: The political and security situation in Guinea is worrying. Economic stagnation and uncertainty over the transition from the current regime leaves the potential for conflict. The withdrawal of opposition and civil society from national social dialogue is also of concern, and reduces the prospects of a constitutional transition of power. A ministerial reshuffle took place on 30 May and we will be monitoring the progress of this new team.
	We are engaging with EU and the Economic Community of West African states partners to open a better dialogue with the political and military authorities in Guinea. At the International Contact Group Meeting on the Mano River Basin in Vienna on 23 May, the UK welcomed the regional focus on contingency planning and agreed the need for further EU engagement, including organising a seminar series in Guinea on democratic culture.

Honours

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will list the individuals who are not UK citizens who were awarded honours in the period 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2003; and what  (a) the date of announcement,  (b) the honour concerned and  (c) the reason for the award was in each case.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 18 May 2006
	As the information requested is lengthy, I will arrange for the information to be placed in the Library, and will send a copy directly to the hon. Member.
	As honorary awards, to citizens where Her Majesty the Queen is not Head of State, are not formally announced, the date of the Queen's formal approval of such awards has been given.

India

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of staff employed at UK posts in India are from scheduled castes; and what recruitment policies are followed for local staff.

Kim Howells: The Human Resources Section of our high commission in New Delhi does not hold records of the caste of locally employed staff at our diplomatic missions in India. They are working on the initial stages of a diversity agenda for local staff.
	Our posts in India are equal opportunities employers and have a recruitment policy that is open to all, regardless of caste, ethnicity or religion.

India

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make representations to the Indian Government on religious intolerance in parts of India.

Kim Howells: Although the issue of religious intolerance in India is a matter for the Indian Government, we raise issues of attacks on or discrimination against religious minorities in response to legitimate UK public and parliamentary interest. Our high commission in New Delhi monitors such issues, with staff making regular calls on the appropriate Indian authorities.
	Officials from our high commission in New Delhi last raised issues relating to religious minorities when they called on the National Commission for Minorities in April.
	We will continue to insist that the right to freedom of religion is upheld, and that those responsible for attacks against people on grounds of their religion are brought to justice.

Iran

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has received on whether Iran has acquired BM-25 missiles from North Korea; and if he will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: The Government are aware of media reports about the transfer of BM-25 missiles from North Korea to Iran. However, the Government are not able to corroborate these reports.

Iran

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his assessment is of which countries supply arms to the Iranian armed forces; and if he will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: Iran has traditionally sourced defence equipment from a broad range of supplier states. Iran's last return to the UN Register of Conventional Arms, in 1998, lists Russia as their main supplier of major conventional arms platforms and equipment. More recent estimates by a variety of independent researchers indicate that the great majority of Iranian arms imports continue to come from Russia. Policy on the export of such equipment from the United Kingdom to Iran was set out in the written answers from the then Foreign Secretary (Lord Hurd) to the then hon. Member for Finchley (Hartley Booth) on 1 March 1993,  Official Report, column 8, and the then Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister, my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Central (Tony Lloyd) to my hon. Friend the then Member for Rugby and Kenilworth (Andy King) on 28 January 1998,  Official Report, columns 273-74, respectively.

Iran

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to his Russian counterparts regarding its proposed sale of Tor tactical surface-to-air missiles to Iran; and if he will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: We are in close touch with Russia about Iran in our bilateral contacts, as part of the E3/EU and through the EU. We have made clear our concerns about their arms sales to Iran on a number of occasions. The Government take a close interest in all reports of arms transfers to and from countries whose current activities are of concern and monitors the situation closely.

Iran

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his assessment is of the degree of Iranian reliance on support from outside nations for the development and continuance of its nuclear programme; and if he will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: Iran remains reliant on Russia to complete the civil nuclear power plant at Bushehr. Russia is also contracted to supply fuel for the reactor for 10 years, and has offered to continue supply for the lifetime of the reactor if the Iranians so choose.
	Iran's gas-centrifuge technology, in particular the designs for PI and P2 centrifuges, was acquired from an international proliferation supply network. Iran has yet to master the technology fully.
	We do not believe Iran is capable of completing the research reactor moderated by heavy water under construction at Arak without external assistance, and are not aware of any country which is prepared to provide such assistance.

Iran

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions  (a) Ministers and  (b) officials in her Department have had with United States officials on the offer by Iran in May 2003 of direct talks with the United States.

Margaret Beckett: As the US announced at the time, between 2001 and 2003, officials from the US and Iran had occasional direct contact through what was known as the Geneva process to discuss practical matters regarding Afghanistan initially and then Iraq. Then as now, British Ministers and officials discussed Iran very frequently with their US counterparts.

Iran

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes to the access of IAEA inspectors to nuclear sites in Iran have taken place since January; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: As reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency to the Board of Governors on 27 February 2006, Iran informed the Agency on 6 February 2006 that it would suspend its voluntary implementation of the provisions of the Additional Protocol pending its ratification. It therefore requested that
	the Agency's inspector presence in the Islamic Republic of Iran for the verification activities should be scheduled only on the basis of the Safeguards Agreement
	and that
	all the Agency's containment and surveillance measures which were in place beyond the normal Agency safeguards measures should be removed by mid February 2006.
	The international community has made clear that it regards implementation of the provisions of the Additional Protocol by Iran as one of the confidence building measures deemed necessary by the Board for Iran to implement in order to resolve outstanding questions and build confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme.

Iran

Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is on the proposal by Dr. El Baradei for the application of the North Korean model of security guarantees and energy aid to negotiations with Iran to encourage an end to enrichment and acceptance of tougher inspections.

Kim Howells: When Javier Solana, High Representative for European Common Foreign and Security Policy, and the Foreign Ministers of UK, France, Germany, US, Russia and China, the E3 plus 3, met in New York on 8 May we agreed on a twin-track strategy, whereby we should present Iran with a choice, between the benefits that would flow from co-operating with the international community, or the isolation and costs that would follow an Iranian decision not to respond to the well-known requirements of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors and the UN Security Council. Officials, including at a meeting of E3 plus political directors in London on 25 May, have been making good progress on both elements of this strategy. These are complex, sensitive diplomatic negotiations and it would be inappropriate to comment on what might be included in either element.

Iran

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations she has made to the Iranian authorities concerning reported proposed legislation on dress codes based on religion.

Kim Howells: On 14 May the Iranian Parliament approved the outline of a draft Bill on an Islamic dress code. The draft Bill set out regulations for the import of clothing and future Government support for Iranian clothing producers.
	Canadian media reporting initially claimed that the draft Bill included a reference to religious minorities having to wear identifying signs or colours but there is no mention of this in the draft Bill. The Iranian embassy in London refuted these media reports and the Canadian newspaper in question issued an apology for its inaccurate reporting.

Iran

Richard Younger-Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the UK's policy is on the imposition of sanctions against Iran in the absence of agreement in the UN Security Council.

Kim Howells: The United Nations Security Council has demonstrated its concern about Iran's nuclear ambitions in its Presidential Statement of 29 March, which was adopted by consensus. The full text of the statement is available on the UN website at:
	http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/sc8679.doc.htm
	We are currently discussing next steps with international partners. We hope that Iran will respond to the requirements of the international community, as set out in repeated International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board Resolutions and the Security Council's Presidential Statement. If it does not, then we anticipate that the Security Council will take the necessary action designed to ensure that Iran meets in full the requirements of the IAEA Board and the Security Council, including reinstating a full suspension of all enrichment related and reprocessing activities, and returns to a negotiation on long-term arrangements.

Iraq

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate she has made of the number of civilians killed in  (a) Al Basrah,  (b) Al Muthanna,  (c) Dhi Qar and  (d) Maysan province in Iraq in (i) January, (ii) February, (iii) March and (iv) April 2006.

Margaret Beckett: The Iraqi Government are best placed to monitor the deaths of civilians inside Iraq. The Government do not collect figures for civilian casualties in Iraq. Both the Iraqi Ministries of Interior and Health published figures last year as part of an ongoing collection of statistics on Iraqi casualties. There is no 100 per cent. reliable and accurate assessment of casualties in Iraq in 2006. Estimates of the numbers of civilian deaths vary according to the methods used. We continue to press the Iraqi Government to release the most up-to-date figures.

Iraq

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment has been made of the  (a) independence and fairness of the judiciary and  (b) the application of the rule of law in (i) Al Basrah, (ii) Al Muthanna, (iii) Dhi Qar and (iv) Maysan province in Iraq.

Margaret Beckett: The judiciary in Iraq is independent of government and there is an operational court system that includes a formal appeal process. The courts throughout Iraq apply the rule of law. We are working with the Iraqi authorities to help increase the capacity of the rule of law sector, for example in providing training for Iraqi judges in international law.

Iraq

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment has been made of the extent of corruption by local officials in  (a) Al Basrah,  (b) Al Muthanna,  (c) Dhi Qar and  (d) Maysan Province in Iraq.

Margaret Beckett: We do not systematically collect province-by-province information on the extent of corruption of local officials in Iraq.
	We are working to increase institutional capacity, transparency and accountability in the four southern provinces. The Department for International Development (DFID) has in place a 20.5 million project to build the capacity and effectiveness of the southern Provincial Governorates. This has provided support for, among other things, establishing Provincial Committees for Reconstruction and Development in all four provinces and building up the financial management and budgeting capacity of provincial institutions. DFID also has in place a 6.7 million project to strengthen independent broadcast media in the south, helping to hold the local government to account.
	The UK, alongside the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and other donors, continues to work with the Iraqi Government to improve accountability and transparency in Iraq's public finances. This includes efforts to encourage Iraq to adopt international legal frameworks and standards in resource management, including the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. This is a set of principles designed to ensure that the revenues from extractive industries such as oil are transparently managed and contribute to sustainable development and poverty reduction. For further information, the hon. Member can visit the following website: www.eitransparency.org.

Iraq

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in the establishment of provincial and local government in  (a) Al Basrah,  (b) Al Muthanna,  (c) Dhi Qar and  (d) Maysan Province in Iraq.

Margaret Beckett: Local governments are well established in the 18 governorates of Iraq including Al Basrah, Al Muthanna, Dhi Qar and Maysan Province. They are empowered to set priorities for the provinces to improve the delivery of public services and are funded from national budget allocations.

Iraq

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in the establishment of the Joint Committee to Transfer Security Responsibility in Iraq; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: The Joint Committee to Transfer Security Responsibility from Multi-National Forces in Iraq (MNF-I) to the Iraqi civilian authorities was established by the then Iraqi Prime Minister Jafa'ari in July 2005. Membership includes Iraq's Interior and Defence Ministers, the National Security Adviser, the US and UK Ambassadors, the Commander of the MNF-I and the Deputy Commanding General.
	Its remit is to describe the conditions required for a transfer of security responsibilities, at the provincial level, to Iraqi civilian control. These conditions are based on four broad categories: an assessment of the terrorist threat level; Iraqi Security Forces' ability to take on the security task; the capacity of provincial bodies to cope with the changed security environment; and the posture and support available from MNF-I.
	As my right hon. Friend the then Defence Secretary informed the House on 13 March 2006,  Official Report, columns 1151-53, the Joint Committee has begun the assessment phase to determine whether conditions have been met for some provinces in Iraq to begin the handover process. This will be taken forward with the new Government. In due course, we expect the Committee to make recommendations to the new Iraqi Prime Minister on which provinces or provincial capitals are ready for a transfer in security responsibilities.

Iraq

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what milestones have been set out for  (a) police and  (b) military reform in (i) Al Basrah,(ii) Al Muthanna, (iii) Dhi Qar and (iv) Maysan provinces in Iraq; and what progress has been achieved.

Margaret Beckett: Milestones have been set in five areas against which progress in the reform of the Iraqi police service can be measured:
	Numbers trained, Police support infrastructure, Intelligence capability, Operational capability and Public support.
	The following table outlines progress to date against the above benchmarks in Muthanna, Maysan and Basra. Responsibility for policing in Dhi Qar lies with the Italian contingent.
	Military reform in Iraq is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence. I will ask him to write to the hon. Member separately on this matter.
	
		
			  Objectives  Basra  Maysan  Muthanna 
			 Training: 85 per cent. of the force is trained and most training is done by Iraqi instructors 58 per cent. have been trained (9,520 from a target of 16,298. Iraqi trainers are conducting some of the training 86 per cent. of officers have been trained.(3,521 from a target of 4,066). Corps of 9 Iraq trainers 99 per cent. of officers trained (1,907 from a target of 1,924). The provincial training academy is developing very well and runs courses for new recruits 
			 
			 Police support infrastructure: Communication and administrative practices are working effectively and 85 per cent. of the vehicles, weapons and infrastructure that the force needs have been provided 67 per cent. equipment issued, but progress in training and mentoring has been hampered by the security situation and non co-operation of the council 76 per cent. is of equipment issued. Ongoing mentoring of in admin communications and business processes 87 per cent. issued. Basic self-sufficiency in finances established. Other Administrations and Communications consolidated and being refined 
			 
			 Intelligence Capability: Forces have a criminal intelligence capability and are able to undertake intelligence led operations unaided Intelligence investigators are undergoing training Initial Intel Capability Established Initial Intelligence Capability established. Some intelligence led operations undertaken 
			 
			 Operational capability: effective command and control systems in place; the force is operating effectively with the Iraqi Army and they have specialist support and criminal investigation units Liaison improving between the Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army through the establishment of an effective Permanent Joint Operations Centre. Investigative capability needs development Work ongoing to improve Command and control, liaison with the army and investigations capacity Effective Command and Control and good liaison with Iraqi Army 
			 
			 Public support: more developed interaction with criminal justice system and media; improved human rights awareness reflected in working practices; improving record of investigation and removal of corrupt or inefficient police; complaints system working Human Rights Dept. established and delivering training. Community Policing established and effective Effective media department. Further work needed on interface with the criminal justice system and internal discipline Good media relations dept operating. Basic self-sufficiency in Internal Affairs re complaints of misbehaviour and malpractice 
			  Note: Responsibility for police training in Dhi Qar lies with the Italian contingent.

Iraq

David Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations she has received regarding the Assyrian community in Iraq; and if she will make a statement.

Kim Howells: We maintain regular contact with representatives from the Chaldo-Assyrian community in Baghdad and their representatives in the UK.
	The Government remain committed to supporting the Iraqi authorities' efforts to promote inclusive, representative politics. The establishment of a genuine government of national unity is a positive step forward in this regard.

Iraq

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make a statement on links her Department will have with the new Iraqi Government.

Kim Howells: We welcome the formation of the new Iraqi Government as a major step in Iraq's transition towards full democracy.
	The Government remain committed to supporting the Iraqi authorities' efforts to build security and uphold the rule of law, promote inclusive, representative politics and secure sustainable economic growth.
	We will continue to conduct the bulk of our relations with Iraq through our diplomatic posts in Iraq.

Israel

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make a statement on the detention of Kate Maynard, a solicitor at the Islington firm of Hickman and Rose, by Israeli authorities at Ben Gurion airport.

Kim Howells: On 24 May 2006, Kate (Catherine) Maynard was detained by immigration officials at Ben Gurion airport, questioned and subsequently refused entry into Israel. She would have been subject to deportation. Ms Maynard contacted our consul from our embassy in Tel Aviv, who then contacted the immigration desk at the airport to establish what was happening and to register our interest in her case. Our consul confirmed with Ms Maynard that she was being treated well and asked if there was anyone he could contact on her behalf.
	Ms Maynard filed an appeal against her refusal and deportation. On the morning of 25 May 2006, a judge initially ruled that Ms Maynard be allowed into Israel to attend a conference, but that she should leave by 28 May. The judge later amended his original decision, choosing instead to issue a recommendation advising the Interior Ministry to allow Ms Maynard to enter the country until 28 May. The Interior Ministry declined the judge's suggestion. Ms Maynard was told she could take the matter to another judge, but Ms Maynard chose instead to return to the UK and departed on the evening of 25 May.
	Consular officials were in contact with Ms Maynard throughout her detention. They offered her assistance and were also in touch with her colleagues in London. Decisions on who can enter Israel are for the Government of Israel, but we try to ensure all British citizens are treated appropriately.

Kyrgyzstan

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will list the  (a) dates and  (b) duration of each visit of the UK ambassador to Kyrgyzstan since 1 January 2005.

Geoff Hoon: Our ambassador accredited to Kyrgyzstan is based in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Since 1 January 2005, he has visited Kyrgyzstan on 10 occasionssix times in 2005: 24-26 January, 24-25 March, 12-13 April, 6-8 June, 28-30 September and 28-29 November; and four times in 2006: 26-27 January, 14-16 February, 23-25 April and 22-24 May.
	In addition to these visits, the Deputy Head of Mission has been to Kyrgyzstan on nine occasions during this period. Other members of the embassy team, including the Defence Attach, have also visited on numerous occasions.

Libya

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans she has to improve relations with Libya; and if she will consider the merits of a visit to Tripoli.

Kim Howells: The Government are committed to improving bilateral relations with Libya. Since my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's visit to Tripoli in 2004, the first by a British Prime Minister since 1943, there has been continued high-level contact. Most recently my right hon. Friend the former Home Secretary, my hon. Friend the Minister for Higher Education and my hon. Friend the former Minister of State for Trade, Investment and Foreign Affairs visited this year. Through these visits and contacts between officials we are working to improve relations across a range of areas, including health, education, trade and economy, counter terrorism and prison reform. With our EU partners we are working with Libya on measures to combat illegal migration, and to resolve the situation of the Bulgarian and Palestinian medical staff detained in Libya including providing assistance to those affected by the outbreak of HIV in Benghazi.
	My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is still assessing her diary commitments. Her travel plans are currently under review and she is unable to commit to a visit at this point.

Maldives

Denis MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make a statement on the trial and sentencing of Mohamed Nasheed, the Chairperson of the Maldivian Democratic Party.

Kim Howells: We continue to be seriously concerned about human rights in the Maldives, in particular the use of the justice system in an apparently political manner. My hon. Friend the then Minister of State for Trade, Investment and Foreign Affairs spoke with Dr. Shaheed, Foreign Minister of the Maldives on 3 May. He welcomed the movement towards democratic reform in the Maldives but also raised the issue of jailed opposition activists, including their leader Mohamed Nasheed. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials have had a number of recent discussions in London and Male with Maldivian Ministers at which they continued to press on the cases of Mohamed Nasheed and others.
	The proper implementation of the Roadmap for the Reform Agenda would reflect the Government's stated commitment to democratic values and serve to promote an atmosphere in which all political groups in the Maldives can engage in dialogue on reform. We convey this message regularly to the Government of the Maldives bilaterally, and together with EU and other international partners. We also strongly support the efforts by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth Secretary-General's Special Envoy, to help facilitate constitutional change.

Ministerial Visits (Accommodation)

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the total cost was of overnight accommodation for Ministers of State in her Department on foreign visits in each of the last three years.

Geoff Hoon: Under the terms of the Ministerial Code and Travel by Minister's, when travelling on official business Ministers are expected to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements.
	Since 1999 the Government have published an annual list of all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing 500 or more during each financial year; this information includes accommodation costs. Copies are available in the Library.
	For Ministers below Cabinet rank, collecting the detailed information requested could not be done without incurring disproportionate cost.

Ministerial Visits (Accommodation)

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions Ministers of State in her Department stayed overnight in  (a) five star,  (b) four star and  (c) three star hotels on foreign visits in each of the last three years.

Geoff Hoon: Under the terms of the Ministerial Code and Travel by Ministers, when travelling on official business Ministers are expected to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements.
	Since 1999 the Government have published an annual list of all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing 500 or more during each financial year; this information includes accommodation costs. Copies are available in the Library.
	For Ministers below Cabinet rank, collecting the detailed information requested could not be done without incurring disproportionate cost.

Nepal

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the decision of the Nepalese Parliament to declare the country a secular state.

Kim Howells: The UK does not take a position, either for or against, the decision of the Nepalese Parliament to declare the country a secular state. It is up to the people of Nepal to determine the nature of the state under which they are governed. The new Parliament has announced its intention to hold a Constituent Assembly to give the nation the chance to express its will over the future of the Nepalese constitution. The UK supports the efforts of the parties to find a democratic solution to Nepal's problems.

Nigeria

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions she has had with the church authorities in Nigeria about the recent demolition of a church in Kazaure, Kano State.

Ian McCartney: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 10 May 2006,  Official Report, column 330W. The case of the destruction of a church in Kazaure, Kano State has not been brought to our attention, through either our high commission in Abuja, the Nigerian media or human rights organisations based in Nigeria.

Nigeria

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of  (a) levels of religious tension,  (b) the incidence of attacks upon churches and  (c) the use of Sharia Law in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Ian McCartney: Conflict and tensions between religious communities in Nigeria remains a serious issue. We are funding the work of Coventry Cathedral's International Centre for Reconciliation to address religious tensions in Plateau State, which has been successful in reducing the level of violence there.
	The decision to adopt Sharia Law is for Nigerians. We have made clear our view that extreme punishments such as stoning and amputation are inconsistent with international human rights standards. We are also funding work to ensure the correct and humane application of Sharia Law in those states that have adopted it.

Nuclear Weapons

Shailesh Vara: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what role she will play in discussions in international fora on the future of the United Kingdom's nuclear deterrent; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett: holding answer 18 May 2006
	No decisions have yet been taken, either in principle or in detail, on the future of the UK's nuclear deterrent. Officials have started work to understand the possible future threats, develop more precise options and assess their costs. However, this work will take some time and Ministers have not yet begun to consider the position in any detail.

Overseas Detainees

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many UK citizens detained in overseas gaols had a last residential address in  (a) the East Midlands and  (b) Leicester East.

Kim Howells: As British nationals detained overseas are not required to inform local consular officials of their last UK residential address, I cannot provide the information requested by my hon. Friend.

Pakistan

Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps she is taking towards ensuring elections in Pakistan next year are free and fair.

Kim Howells: The UK, along with our EU partners, has welcomed the recent appointment of a Permanent Election Commissioner. We intend to support this office through the provision of technical assistance and advice, to ensure that he is able to do his job effectively. The UK is actively considering a range of activities to help ensure the election is free and fair, including supporting the Government of Pakistan with training election officials, and voter education campaigns. We are currently in discussions with EU and other partners about the scope for collectively monitoring the elections. As I have stated previously, officials in both London and Pakistan also meet regularly with members of the Pakistani Government, opposition parties and members of civil society to ensure that we remain abreast of developments. This also gives us an opportunity to stress the importance we attach to free and fair elections.

Pakistan

Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the efficacy of action taken by the Pakistani Government against Taliban forces within Pakistan.

Kim Howells: The Government of Pakistan has made extensive efforts, at considerable loss of life, to improve the rule of law in the border areas. The Pakistanis remain committed to countering the threat posed by the Taliban and we will continue to support them in these efforts.

Pakistan

Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the Answer of 18 May 2006,  Official Report, column 1230W, on Pakistan, in what ways the UK is working with the Government of Pakistan to contain the threat posed by the Taliban.

Kim Howells: As part of a common effort to counter terrorism, the Government are providing training and capacity building to the Pakistan authorities in their efforts to counter al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Pakistan

Plan-D Events

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps her Department has taken to ensure that the events held under the European Commission Plan D include the whole political spectrum of views as required by the Commission document.

Geoff Hoon: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office keeps in close contact with the European Commission Representation in the UK about their programme of planned activities related to Plan D. The events that they have organised include debates and roadshows, which have been open to the public and designed for anyone to ask any questions or make any points about the EU.

Plan-D Events

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will list the events which  (a) have been held and  (b) are scheduled to take place in the UK to promote debate on the future of the EU as set out in the Commission document Plan-D.

Geoff Hoon: The Commission's UK representation has organised a range of events across the UK to promote debate on the future of Europe under its Outreach programme. These include: 'What is next for the East Midlands in Europe?' held on 27 January 2006; a debate on the future of Europe at King's College, London on 10 February; and an event on trans-national co-operation in Taunton on 15 March. In the next months ahead, Europe Direct centres, new EU information points, are due to open across the UK. These centres will be used as the focal point for regional activities. Further information on these events and Europe Direct is available from the European Commission's representation in the UK.

Plan-D Events

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what proportion of the sum allocated by the EU Commission to fund its Plan-D events and activities in the UK during 2006 has been  (a) spent and  (b) allocated to specific future events;
	(2)  what measures her Department has taken to ensure that the sum allocated by the European Commission to fund Plan-D events in the UK during 2006 is available on a fair basis to each part of the whole political spectrum of views.

Geoff Hoon: No specific allocation of financial resources was made to each member state under the Commission's Plan-D for Democracy, Dialogue and Debate. Most Plan-D activities fall under the Commission's Relations with citizen and the media programme in the UK. For 2006 a budget of 1.7 million has been made available for the Commission UK representation's operational activities under this budget heading (the 1.8 million figure that I stated to the European Scrutiny Committee was the amount requested by the representation). So far 1,011,700 has been allocated, of which 354,900 has been spent. The Commission representation are in the process of allocating the rest of the budget with a view to spending all of it by the end of the year.

Plan-D Events

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  when her Department will present the synthesis of the initial results of the national debate in the UK on the future of the EU required under the Commission's Plan-D document;
	(2)  why her Department did not meet the Commission deadline of April 2006 for the submission of a synthesis of the initial results of the UK national debate on the future of the EU, as set out in the Commission's Plan-D document.

Geoff Hoon: I should like to clarify that the Commission's Plan-D does not impose any obligations on member states. Following the Interim Report on the National Debates During the Reflection Period on the Future of Europe of 14 December 2005 by the UK and Austrian EU presidencies, the Austrian presidency and General Secretariat of the Council requested further written feedback from member states by April in response to a questionnaire. We provided a response to the presidency and General Secretariat of the Council in April.
	A copy of the questionnaire and the UK response and the report of the presidency and the General Secretariat of the Council on member states' information and communication activities during the reflection period will be placed in the Library on 15 June. A copy of the Interim Report on the National Debates During the Reflection Period on the Future of Europe was placed in the Library on 16 January 2006.

Plan-D Events

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will list the visits to the UK made by  (a) the President of the European Commission and  (b) other Commissioners since the publication of the Commission's Plan-D document in October 2005.

Geoff Hoon: European Commissioners regularly visit member states as part of their work. The Government do not keep a record of Commissioner visits to the UK, but figures from the Commission's Representation in the UK show that there have been 60 Commissioner visits to the UK since October 2005.

Plan-D Events

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what progress her Department has made in working with the European Commission for the appointment of European goodwill ambassadors on the UN model as proposed in the Commission's Plan-D document;
	(2)  if she will list the individuals who have been considered by her Department for appointment as European goodwill ambassadors.

Geoff Hoon: The European Goodwill Ambassadors initiative as proposed in the European Commission's Plan D for Democracy, Dialogue and Debate, is still at an early stage. Therefore to date, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has not considered any individuals for appointment as goodwill ambassadors.

Private Office Staff

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much has been paid in  (a) salary,  (b) travelling expenses,  (c) subsistence allowance and  (d) removal expenses to special advisers in her private office in each of the last five years.

Geoff Hoon: Since 2003, the Government have published on an annual basis the names and overall cost of special advisers and the number in each payband. For information relating to the last financial year I refer the hon. Member to the written ministerial statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on Thursday 21 July 2005,  Official Report, columns 158-61WS.
	Information on special advisers for this financial year is currently being collected and will be published in the normal way when it is ready.
	We are unable to provide details of travelling expenses and subsistence allowances paid to special advisers because the figures are not held centrally. To obtain this information would incur disproportionate cost.
	Foreign and Commonwealth Office records do not show any payments being made to special advisers in respect of removal expenses.

Public Transport (Incentives)

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what incentives are available to encourage members of her staff to use public transport for travelling to and from work.

Geoff Hoon: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers staff an advance of salary or rail warrants to help them obtain season tickets for home to office travel on public transport. The majority of our staff in London use public transport.
	In addition, we have a number of policies which contribute to staff using more sustainable methods of transport as outlined in the reply I gave to the hon. Member on 24 May 2006,  Official Report, columns 1867-68W.

Slovenia

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations she has received requesting an apology from the Government for the repatriation in 1945 of Slovene Home Guard soldiers to Yugoslavia; and if she will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has received a number of representations on the repatriation of the Slovene Home Guard, including letters from individuals and an early day motion in the House. We have received no communications on the subject from the Slovene Government. The Second World War and its aftermath brought tragedy in its wake for many people. It is right that we remember the suffering of the Slovene nation during this time.

Spain

Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 4 May 2006,  Official Report, column 1808W, on Spain, if she will make a statement on the outcome of the discussions between officials and the Spanish Ministry of Justice; and when  (a) she and  (b) diplomatic and consular staff in Spain next plan to meet the Spanish authorities to discuss child custody cases in Spain involving British parents.

Kim Howells: Officials from the Department for Constitutional Affairs and Foreign and Commonwealth Office discussed steps to improve co-operation in resolving child residence and access disputes in Spain involving British parents with the Spanish Ministry of Justice. Two new members of staff have recently been appointed at the Spanish Central Authority handling cases brought under the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Although my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary currently has no plans to meet the Spanish authorities to discuss this matter, officials will pursue these issues as necessary and appropriate.

Sri Lanka

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment she has made of the safety of the waters off Sri Lanka; and what pressure she is exerting  (a) bilaterally and  (b) through multilateral organisations towards ensuring that the waters are made safe.

Kim Howells: The Department for Transport, advise that the Transport and Security Contingencies Team have not issued any specific advice on piracy or terrorism in Sri Lankan waters. The International Ship and Port Security rating remains at code 1, which is normal.
	In the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice for Sri Lanka we advise British mariners to avoid the coastline and adjacent territorial sea of the Trincomalee, Mullaitivu, Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Mannar administrative districts in the north and east. These are declared as restricted zones by the Sri Lankan authorities and there have been attacks on shipping in these areas in the past.
	It is the Government of Sri Lanka's responsibility to ensure the safety of it's territorial waters. The UK view is that the most effective way to resolve the tensions over these areas is through the existing Sri Lankan peace process, which we fully support.

Sri Lanka

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action she is taking to encourage resumption of peace negotiations in Sri Lanka, between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

Kim Howells: We actively support the Norwegian facilitated peace process. We continue to urge the Sri Lankan Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam to return to the face-to-face talks. We make this clear in our regular contact with the Sri Lankan Government, Members of Parliament, including representatives of Tamil political groups, and civil society. We also actively contribute to the EU's work in its role as one of the Tokyo co-Chairs to the Sri Lankan peace process.

Sri Lanka

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of whether the ceasefire agreement signed in 2002 between the Sri Lankan Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam is still in force; what action she is taking towards ensuring this agreement is upheld; and what her policy is on seeking a new agreement.

Kim Howells: Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement the Sri Lankan Monitoring Mission was established to monitor the ceasefire and investigate and record violations by either side. With the recent escalation in violence, we assess that the ceasefire is under intense pressure, but we welcome the stated commitment of both sides to maintain the ceasefire agreement. We encourage the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam to return to face-to face talks so they can discuss concerns about the ceasefire and work towards a lasting peace agreement.
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary gave to the right hon. Member for Richmond, Yorks (Mr. Hague) on 5 June 2006 (UIN 73720).

Sri Lanka

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate she has made of the number of people  (a) killed and  (b) displaced in Sri Lanka in the last three weeks in attacks by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam; and if she will make a statement.

Kim Howells: The Sri Lankan Monitoring Mission (SLMM) recorded 125 deaths in political violence between 1 and 23 May. They categorise the status of victims to be 71 civilians, 36 armed forces members, eight police force members and 10 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) operatives. However, it is not possible to assess which of these may have been killed by the LTTE without prejudging the decisions of the SLMM. Our assessment is that most of the armed forces casualties were inflicted by the LTTE, but other armed groups are also responsible for deaths. There are also reports that Government security forces may be involved in some of the killings.
	As at 19 May the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reported that 8,764 families have fled the violence in Trincomalee district in recent weeks. This is the only district for which there is firm evidence of substantial movements of people.
	I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary gave to the right hon. Member for Richmond, Yorks (Mr. Hague) on 5 June 2006 (UIN 73720).

Sri Lanka

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make a statement on UK-Sri Lankan relations.

Kim Howells: The long-standing relations between the UK and Sri Lanka are good and also wide-ranging. They are maintained through regular contacts at all levels. The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister visited London in March 2006 and met my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development, my right hon. Friend the then Foreign Secretary and my right hon. Friend the then Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Nationality. Topics discussed included the peace process, tsunami reconstruction, immigration issues and countering Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam fundraising. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport visited Sri Lanka in December 2005 and met the Sri Lankan Prime Minister. My hon. Friend the then Minister for Trade, Investment and Foreign Affairs visited Sri Lanka in January 2006 and met representatives of the Government and Tamil political parties.
	We have made clear our continuing support for a peaceful negotiated settlement to the ethnic conflict that meets the legitimate aspirations of all Sri Lankans. The Government provide funding for projects through the Global Conflict Prevention Pool to support this aim.

Sri Lanka

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the freedom of the media in Sri Lanka.

Kim Howells: There is no censorship of the Sri Lankan press which, generally reports freely. The public have a wide choice of print and electronic media sources from which to choose. However, we are deeply concerned about the recent attack on a newspaper office in Jaffna that killed two staff. This is the latest incidence of threats and violence directed at journalists in Sri Lanka. We have raised the issue of press freedom with the Sri Lankan Government as well as our concern at the use of violence and intimidation more widely.

Sri Lanka

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what assessment she has made of reports of extra-judicial killings by Government security forces in Sri Lanka;
	(2)  whether her Department has made representations to the Government of Sri Lanka about alleged human rights abuses by Government forces in Sri Lanka.

Kim Howells: We take these reports extremely seriously and have raised with members of the Sri Lankan Government our concerns about human rights. We have made clear that there should be a full and transparent inquiry by the Government into suspected extra-judicial killings in which the safety of witnesses must be guaranteed.

Sri Lanka

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make a statement on the current situation of the peace process in Sri Lanka.

Kim Howells: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary gave to the right hon. Member for Richmond, Yorks (Mr. Hague) today (UIN 73720).

Sri Lanka

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the political situation in Sri Lanka; what resources her Department has allocated to peace monitoring there; and if she will make a statement.

Kim Howells: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him today (UIN 73407) and to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary to the right hon. Member for Richmond, Yorks (Mr. Hague) today (UIN 73720).
	In addition to supporting the work of the Monitoring Mission, the Government provide funding for projects through the Global Conflict Prevention Pool, and receives regular reports from the our high commission in Colombo.

Sri Lanka

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make a statement on the peace process in Sri Lanka.

Margaret Beckett: We are deeply concerned at the recent escalation in violence in Sri Lanka. We condemn all forms of violence and intimidation. We urge the Liberation of Tamil Tigers Eilam (LTTE) and the Government of Sri Lanka to fulfil the commitments they made in Geneva in February. The Government pledged that no armed group or person other than Government security forces would carry arms or conduct armed operations. The LTTE pledged to take all necessary measures to ensure that there would be no acts of violence against the security forces and police. Both sides made a commitment to ensure that there will be no intimidation, acts of violence, abductions or killings.
	The LTTE is a proscribed organisation in Britain and is likely also to be listed by the EU as a terrorist organisation. We urge the LTTE to renounce violence and pursue a political solution.
	We call on the Government of Sri Lanka to do all in their power to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their population. And to ensure that any suspected human rights abuses are fully investigated in an open and transparent way.
	We continue to believe that dialogue is the only way to achieve a negotiated settlement to the conflict in Sri Lanka. Violence cannot solve internal differences nor bring sustainable peace. All sides need to exercise restraint and act in a constructive and patient way. We fully support the Norwegian facilitated peace talks and will continue to work for a settlement that takes full account of the legitimate demands of all communities within a democratic and stable Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the involvement of Sri Lankan security forces in extra-judicial execution of Tamil civilians; and if she will make a statement.

Kim Howells: We are deeply concerned at reports that members of Government security forces may have been involved in the deaths of civilians and the intimidation of the civilian population. The Sri Lankan Monitoring Mission has the task of investigating these reports. We strongly endorse their work.
	We take such reports extremely seriously and have raised with members of the Sri Lankan Government our concerns about human rights. We have made clear that there should be a full and transparent enquiry by the Government into suspected extra-judicial killings in which the safety of witnesses must be guaranteed. It is important for the Government and the military to adhere fully to international humanitarian law, and accepted rules of conduct and engagement. They must demonstrate that no-one is above the law and that members of the armed forces do not enjoy impunity. We are also concerned at the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam's failure to halt the violence despite their public commitments at the peace talks in Geneva in February to do so. Both sides must follow through on the implementation of their commitments. Violence against the civilian population can never be justified.

Sri Lanka

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what monitoring she is undertaking of the conflict in Sri Lanka.

Kim Howells: Under the terms of the cease-fire agreement, the Sri Lankan Monitoring Mission was established to monitor the cease-fire and investigate and record violations by either side. We fully support the work of the Monitoring Mission. Our high commission in Colombo monitors the conflict closely and we receive regular reports from them. We also fund projects in Sri Lanka, through the Global Conflict Prevention Pool, which monitor the levels of violence and seek to mediate on local sources of tension. We are deeply concerned at the recent escalation in violence in Sri Lanka and call on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and the Government to return to the negotiating table and live up to the commitments they made at talks in Geneva in February this year.

Sri Lanka

Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions she has had with the Sri Lankan Government on the recent escalation of violence in Sri Lanka; and what the outcomes of such discussions have been.

Kim Howells: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not as yet had discussions with the Sri Lankan Government. When I met the Foreign Minister Samaraweera of Sri Lanka in London in March, I made clear our strong desire to see the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam and the Government live up to commitments they made at talks in Geneva in February. Sadly, this has not happened. As I said during a debate on Sri Lanka in the House on 24 May 2006,  Official Report, columns 1606-10, it is vital that both sides return to the negotiating table and work towards a settlement that satisfies the concerns and legitimate aspirations of all Sri Lankans. We shall continue to convey this message, bilaterally and with EU partners.

Sri Lanka

Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations she has received from UK groups asking her to put pressure on the Sri Lankan Government to resume peace talks with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

Kim Howells: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has received no such representations. I took part in a debate in Sri Lanka in the House on 24 May 2006,  Official Report, columns 1606-10, during which I called on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam to move away from the path of violence, and on the Government of Sri Lanka to rein in paramilitary attacks in Government-controlled areas. We consider it important that both sides live up to the commitments they made at talks in Geneva in February this year.

Sudan

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will discuss with the Government of Saudi Arabia the shipment of small arms and light weapons from that country to Government and other combatants in Sudan; and if she will make a statement.

Geoff Hoon: We are not aware of any arms shipments from Saudi Arabia to Sudan that would constitute a breach of UN sanctions, and therefore have no plans to raise this specifically with the Saudi Arabian Government. However, we discuss a broad range of issues with Saudi Arabia, including the arms trade. Officials from our embassy in Riyadh recently discussed with Saudi counterparts international efforts to set standards for the trade in conventional arms, including progressing the initiative for an Arms Trade Treaty and the Transfer Controls Initiative for Small Arms and Light Weapons.

Sudan

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of reports that rebel forces who signed the recent peace deal in Darfur have broken the ceasefire.

Ian McCartney: There have been some indications of an overall reduction in attacks by rebel groups and government forces since the signature of the Darfur Peace Agreement, although attacks by militias have continued. It remains to be seen what will happen in the longer term. The African Union's mission to Darfur is responsible for reporting any breaches of the ceasefire to the Ceasefire Commission. We continue to call on all parties to rein in their fighters and bring an end to the conflict.

Sudan

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the timetable is for the transfer of forces from the African Union to the UN in Darfur.

Ian McCartney: The process for the transition involves a series of steps: a UN planning mission to visit Darfur; a Security Council decision on a UN force; mobilisation and deployment. We welcome the Government of Sudan's acceptance of a planning mission and are pressing for them to accept transition to a UN force. The mandate of the current African Union (AU) force in Darfur expires on 30 September 2006, and we are pushing for the UN to begin deploying then. Meanwhile we continue to offer the AU support to enhance the effectiveness of its mission.

Uganda

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what international aid is being used to fund the cost of the treason trial of the opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye in Uganda; and if she will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy (Mr. Llwyd) on 24 May 2006,  Official Report, columns 1787-88W.

Uganda

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment she has made of the independence of the judiciary in Uganda; and if she will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: In recent months the Ugandan judiciary has demonstrated a high level of independence in a number of important rulings.
	Most recently, on 7 March 2006 High Court Judge Katutsi dismissed the rape charges against opposition leader, Dr. Kizza Besigye, saying that the prosecution had failed to prove its case.

Uganda

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the fairness of the February 2006 presidential election in Uganda, with particular regard to the recent ruling by the Supreme Court; and if she will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: Independent election observers monitoring the February 2006 elections in Uganda raised concerns that a level playing field was not established before the elections took place. However, there was consensus that despite some shortcomings on election day there was a high degree of transparency and voters were overall free to vote as they pleased. This is in line with the EU election observers interim statement. They have yet to issue their final report.
	On 6 April the Ugandan Supreme Court's judgment highlighted many of the concerns raised by election monitors. But in a majority verdict they also concluded these problems did not substantially affect the result. The detailed opinions underlying their judgment have not been released.

Uganda

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date the Movement Act was repealed by the Ugandan Government; and if she will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: Under the 1995 Ugandan Constitution, the Ugandan people have the right to choose between three political systems: the movement system; the multiparty system; and any other democratic and representative system. In July 2005, the Ugandan people voted in a referendum to move from the movement system to a multiparty system. The February 2006 elections were held under a multiparty dispensation.
	The Movement Act, governing the movement system, has not been repealed. However, we understand that the movement organs have been disbanded and funding from state has stopped.

Uganda

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the security situation in Uganda on the 2007 Commonwealth meeting; and if she will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: As set out in our travel advice, Uganda shares with neighbouring countries a threat from terrorism and we advise against travel to north and north eastern Uganda because of a rebel insurgency and tribal clashes. Some border areas with the Democratic Republic of Congo are unstable but most visits to Uganda are trouble free and Kampala is a relatively safe city. The travel advice for Uganda can be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website at: http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front? pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage c=Pagecid=1007029390590a=KCountryAdvice aid=1013618386550.
	The Commonwealth Secretariat are responsible for making assessments of the security situation with regard to Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Uganda in 2007. They visited Uganda most recently in April 2006.

Uganda

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the likelihood that Dr. Besigye will receive a fair trial in Uganda; and if she will make a statement.

Ian McCartney: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him today (UIN 74771). On 16 May my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development raised Dr. Besigye's on-going court case with President Museveni. The President gave an assurance that due process would be followed.

Costa Rica

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will make a statement on UK-Costa Rican relations.

Geoff Hoon: Relations between the UK and Costa Rica were established over 150 years ago and remain strong. Our ambassador in San Jos attended the inauguration of President Oscar Arias in May 2006. The Government looks forward to working with the President and his new Government.

Venezuela

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what meetings have been arranged by her Department between representatives of the Venezuelan Government and the Mayor of London on the President of Venezuela's offer to supply subsidised oil to London, mediated by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Geoff Hoon: We have arranged no such meetings. We would encourage the Venezuelan Government to use the considerable resources available to them from hydrocarbons production responsibly, for the long-term benefit of all Venezuelans and their country's economic development.

Visas

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what records are kept in UK posts in India of the  (a) ethnicity and  (b) caste of those applying for (i) visas and (ii) entry clearance.

Kim Howells: Our visa sections in India do not collect or hold information on the caste or ethnicity of visa applicants. All entry clearance applications are considered on their individual merits, regardless of religion, ethnicity or caste.

Visas

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the target time is for the issuing of  (a) a family visit visa and  (b) a settlement visa following a successful appeal in the UK.

Kim Howells: Once our visa sections receive determinations from the Home Office indicating that the appeal has been allowed, they aim to contact the appellant and bring the application for entry clearance to a conclusion as soon as practicably possible. Entry clearance will be issued unless there has been a significant and material change of circumstances, or material deception has come to light of which the immigration judge would be unaware.

Visas

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many student visas have been issued to people from  (a) Nigeria,  (b) Pakistan,  (c) India,  (d) Turkey and  (e) Ghana in each of the last five years.

Kim Howells: The number of student visas issued in Nigeria, Pakistan, India, Turkey and Ghana over the last five years are as follows:
	
		
			   2000( 1)  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05 
			 Nigeria 1,516 2,921 3,905 4,154 8,045 
			 Pakistan 2,421 3,744 2,781 10,361 10,859 
			 India 4,790 8,280 12,174 14,641 15,283 
			 Turkey 7,208 5,598 5,468 3,746 4,234 
			 Ghana 1,788 2,315 3,103 2,804 1,749 
			 (1 )Prior to 2001-02, entry clearance statistics were published by calendar year.

Visas

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many complaints have been received relating to UK embassy visa sections in each of the last five years; and how many of them were investigated.

Kim Howells: All visa sections are required to keep records of all complaints and the resulting action taken. Data for the number of complaints and action taken are not held centrally by UKvisas. In order to obtain this information, officials would need to contact every post worldwide and this would currently incur disproportionate cost. UKvisas is, however, currently developing a system for doing this in the future.

Weapons Sales (Inspectors)

Philip Dunne: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many personnel the Government employs to inspect the sale of weapons in the UK.

Kim Howells: The practice and policy of the licensing of strategic exports from the UK, including conventional arms, weapons of mass destruction related materials and other dual-use items, is co-ordinated between four Government Departments: the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Defence and the Department for International Development. Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs is also responsible in the enforcement of relevant export control legislation. The Export Control Organisation of the Department of Trade and Industry acts as licensing body for all strategic exports from the UK and currently has a dedicated staff complement of 110. Other interested departments each have personnel tasked with assessing and monitoring the UK's strategic exports, as well as advising on related policy issues.

Western Sahara

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice she offered British MEPs on how to vote on the recent EU-Morocco fishing deal in the waters of the western Sahara; and what action the British Government proposes to take to protect the rights of the Saharian people.

Kim Howells: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary did not advise UK Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) how to vote on the EU/Morocco Fisheries Partnership Agreement.
	Officials from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs provided UK MEPs with briefing on the Agreement and on the UK's position.
	The United Nations defines Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory. As the de facto administering power, Morocco is obliged under international law to ensure that economic activities under its administration do not adversely affect the interests of the people of the territory. The Fisheries Agreement, under Article 10, envisages the establishment of a Joint Committee to monitor the implementation of the terms of the Agreement, including the impact it has on the local population. The UK will follow its work and conclusions closely.

Western Sahara

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if she will press for a resolution of Western Sahara's disputed independence at the United Nations.

Kim Howells: The UK fully supports the efforts of the UN Secretary-General, and his Personal Envoy to Western Sahara, to find a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution to the Western Sahara dispute. The UK supported UN Security Council Resolution 1675, adopted on 28 April, which extends the mandate of the UN Mission for a Referendum in Western Sahara until 31 October 2006.
	We will continue, at both ministerial and official level, to urge all parties to the dispute to engage constructively with the UN.

HEALTH

Accident and Emergency Departments

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the NHS hospitals in Lancashire with accident and emergency departments; and whether in each case they are type  (a) one,  (b) two and  (c) three.

Rosie Winterton: Information on the number of accident and emergency services provided by national health service trusts is reported at trust level on the number of services they provide, according to definitions set by the Department. It is not possible to assign these services to individual hospitals. The available information is therefore shown in the following table and is for the end of March 2006.
	
		
			  Organisation name  Type 1 (major department)  Type 2 (single-specialty department)  Type 3 (minor injuries and illness service, including minor injury units and walk-in centres  All types 
			 Cumbria and Lancashire Strategic Health Authority 9 0 11 20 
			 Blackpool Primary Care Trust 0 0 1 1 
			 Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Hospitals NHS Trust 1 0 0 1 
			 East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust 2 0 0 2 
			 Eden Valley PCT 0 0 4 4 
			 Hyndburn and Ribble Valley PCT 0 0 1 1 
			 Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS  Foundation Trust 2 0 0 2 
			 North Cumbria Acute Hospitals NHS Trust 2 0 0 2 
			 University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay  NHS Trust 2 0 1 3 
			 West Cumbria PCT 0 0 3 3 
			 West Lancashire PCT 0 0 1 1 
			  Note:  Type 3 includes walk-in centres   Source:  Department of Health dataset QMAE

Agency Workers

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of the NHS salary budget was spent on agency workers in 2005-06; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The Department collects expenditure information on non-national health service staff. Non-NHS staff expenditure includes all agency staff and any other staff not directly employed.
	Data for 2005-06 are not yet available.

Agenda for Change

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultation there has been with ambulance technicians and paramedics in the national level discussions on Agenda for Change policy for those professions.

Rosie Winterton: The provisions of Agenda for Change for ambulance staff were agreed by the NHS Staff Council following detailed discussions with nationally recognised unions and professionals representing ambulance staff.

Ambulance Services

Paul Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many representations she has received from hon. Members expressing opposition to the proposed reconfiguration of NHS ambulance services.

Rosie Winterton: A 14-week consultation on the proposed configuration of national health service ambulance trusts in England was led by strategic health authorities (SHAs) and ended on 22 March 2006. The responses submitted by SHAs together with letters sent directly to the Department indicate that there have been about 40 written responses from hon. Members expressing varying degrees of concern about the reconfiguration proposals. These were considered carefully before making the decisions announced on 16 May 2006,  Official Report, columns 849-66.

Ambulance Services

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on Government policy on the outsourcing of non-emergency ambulance services.

Rosie Winterton: Primary care trusts (PCTs) are responsible for ensuring that there is provision of ambulance services, which could include patient transport services, to such extent as they consider necessary to meet all reasonable requirements. It is, therefore, for the local national health service to decide who provides patient transport services for eligible patients in their area.
	A range of different providers may and do provide patient transport services, for example the local ambulance service, private or voluntary sector providers, or a combination of these organisations. It is for PCTs to ensure that that they are getting the best service for the best price. The ambulance review Taking Healthcare to the Patient: Transforming NHS Ambulance Services set out our intention to develop a system of accreditation of independent ambulance providers, which should help PCTs further in making this assessment.

Audiologists

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will place in the Library the full-time equivalent figures for the number of qualified audiologists at each hospital trust at 30 September 2004.

Rosie Winterton: The table showing the number of full-time equivalent (fte) health care scientists working in audiology in September 2004 by primary care trust and trust has been placed in the Library. The total number has increased by 4 per cent. to 1,421 fte in September 2005.

Barts/Broomfield Hospitals PFI

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 23 March 2006,  Official Report, column 577W, on Barts/Broomfield Hospitals PFI, to the hon. Member for Cheadle (Mark Hunter), when departmental officials will write to NHS trusts letting them know how the private finance initiative reappraisal process will work; and if she will place a copy of this letter in the Library.

Andy Burnham: Trusts have had the broad nature of the reappraisal exercise, including a summary of the key indicators being used by the Department, outlined to them in a number of meetings with officials. The exercise is already under way, and over the coming months the lead official responsible for the exercise will be visiting all trusts with private finance initiative projects.
	These arrangements were confirmed in the letter from Sir Ian Carruthers to all national health service organisations on the 10 May 2006. A copy of this letter has been placed in the Library.

Bowel Cancer

James Clappison: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she will answer questions  (a) 65745,  (b) 65744,  (c) 65381 and  (d) 63643, on the bowel cancer screening programme, tabled by the hon. Member for Hertsmere.

Rosie Winterton: Replies were given on 10 and 12 May.

Cancer Treatment (Beta Glucan)

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research she has evaluated on the efficacy of beta glucan in treating cancer.

Rosie Winterton: There are no authorised medicinal products available in the United Kingdom containing beta glucan so its efficacy in treating cancer has not been established.

Capital Projects

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent by Burntwood, Lichfield and Tamworth Primary Care Trust on capital projects in the Tamworth constituency in each of the last five years.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is shown in the table on total capital expenditure by Burntwood, Lichfield and Tamworth Primary Care Trust (PCT) 2001-02 to 2004-05.
	
		
			   000 
			 2001-02 0 
			 2002-03 17,804 
			 2003-04 15,327 
			 2004-05 2,506 
			  Notes:  1. Burntwood, Lichfield and Tamworth PCT was established on 1 April 2001  2. 2004-05 is the latest year for which information is available.   Sources:  Audited summarisation schedules of the Burntwood, Lichfield and Tamworth PCT 2001-02 to 2004-05

Care Homes

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of people in care homes paid top-up fees in each region of England in each year since 1997; and if she will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: This information is not collected centrally in the form requested. However, in the UK- wide survey of care homes conducted by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) for their report Care Homes for Older People in the UK, published in May 2005, the OFT found that the average care home in the United Kingdom had 32 places of which seven were paid for by a combination of the local authority and a third party top-up.
	We increased total resources available for social services by an average of 6 per cent. a year in real terms over the three years 2003-04 to 2005-06. These increases follow a 20 per cent. increase in the level of funding for social services between 1996-97 and 2002-03. This enables local councils to purchase the services to meet their residents' needs.

Chiropractic Management

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to enable NHS patients to choose chiropractic management of their musculoskeletal disorders.

Ivan Lewis: The national health service currently provides a range of services for people with musculoskeletal conditions including, where appropriate, access to chiropractic services.
	Improvements in the care offered to people with musculoskeletal conditions will be supported by the musculoskeletal framework (MSF), which will be published later this year. The MSF will promote the development of services outside hospital, based on informed self-care and better access to a range of health care professionals. The MSF will also build on the principles of current Government policy, ensuring that musculoskeletal services are organised, as far as possible, around the needs and choices of individual patients.

Community Nursing

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what the age profile is of the current workforce of community nurses; and how many community nurses who are in post will reach retirement age in the next 10 years;
	(2)  how many community nursing posts there are in the NHS in England; how many are vacant; and how many have been vacant for  (a) three months or less,  (b) three to six months and  (c) six months to a year;
	(3)  how many qualified community nurses were employed in management roles in January  (a) 2000,  (b) 2003 and  (c) 2006;
	(4)  how many NHS trusts are employing health care assistants in community nursing roles.

Rosie Winterton: Information on the number of community nursing staff and their age profile as at September 2005 has been placed in the Library as well as information on the number of community nurses by level and each specified area of work as at September 2000, 2003 and 2005.
	Vacancy information for the community nurses group is not collected centrally. However, information on the number of vacancies and three-month vacancy rate for constituent groups of community nurses has also been placed in the Library.
	Information on posts which have been vacant for three months or less or specifically six months to a year is not collected centrally.
	The national health service workforce census for 2006 will not be conducted until September 2006.
	Information on the number of NHS trusts employing health care assistants in community nursing roles is not collected centrally.

Correspondence

Michael Spicer: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the Minister of State will reply to the hon. Member for West Worcestershire's letter of 25 April.

Rosie Winterton: This letter was replied to on 25 May 2006.

Critical Care Hospital (St. Helier)

Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  if, in considering the Epsom and St. Helier NHS Hospital Trust's response to her insistence that the new critical care hospital be at St. Helier, she will look again at the concerns, particularly from the elderly residents of Mole Valley, at the transport difficulties and delays to travel to St. Heliers;
	(2)  when she will reply to the Epsom and St. Helier NHS Hospital Trust's reply to her direction that St. Helier be the preferred site for the new hospital build;
	(3)  if she will take the representations received from elderly residents of Mole Valley on travel to St. Heliers into account when considering the response from St. Helier NHS Hospital Trust to her direction that the proposed new critical care hospital be situated in St. Helier.

Caroline Flint: The Department has received the response from the local national health service on St. Helier and is currently considering the situation.

Dentistry

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many  (a) orthodontic consultants and  (b) fully trained specialist registrars in orthodontics there were in  (a) England and  (b) Beverley and Holderness in each year since 1997; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not available by constituency. Information for England, North and East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire strategic health authority, and Hull and East Yorkshire hospitals national health service trust is shown in the following table:
	
		
			  Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): Dental staff within the Orthodontics specialty by specified grades( 1) and organisation in North and East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire SHA England as at 30 September each year 
			  Number (headcount) 
			   England  Of which:  North and East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire SHA  Of which:  Hull and East Yorkshire hospitals NHS Trust 
			  1997
			 All staff 249 16 0 
			  Of which:
			 Consultant 153 3 0 
			 Registrar Group 96 1 0 
			 
			  1998
			 All Staff 256 13 0 
			  Of which:
			 Consultant 153 2 0 
			 Registrar Group 103 1 0 
			 
			  1999
			 All staff 255 15 0 
			  Of which:
			 Consultant 157 4 0 
			 Registrar Group 98 1 0 
			 
			  2000
			 All staff 254 24 12 
			  Of which:
			 Consultant 161 3 2 
			 Registrar Group 93 0 0 
			 
			  2001
			 All staff 253 25 11 
			  Of which:
			 Consultant 154 6 3 
			 Registrar Group 99 0 0 
			 
			  2002
			 All staff 275 24 12 
			  Of which:
			 Consultant 161 6 3 
			 Registrar Group 114 1 0 
			 
			  2003
			 All staff 280 25 13 
			  Of which:
			 Consultant 178 7 4 
			 Registrar Group 102 1 0 
			 
			  2004
			 All staff 284 25 12 
			  Of which:
			 Consultant 180 9 5 
			 Registrar Group 104 1 0 
			 
			  2005
			 All staff 326 23 12 
			  Of which:
			 Consultant 206 7 5 
			 Registrar Group 120 0 0 
			 (1) Registrar Group includes the Specialist Registrar Grade   Source:  The Information Centre for health and social careMedical and Dental Workforce Census

Dentistry

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been allocated to dental access centres in England since 2000-01; and what the projected funding is to 2009-10.

Rosie Winterton: Dental access centres (DACs) are managed by primary care trusts (PCTs). There are not separate expenditure lines for DACs within PCT accounts and there has been no single funding stream. DACs have instead been funded through a variety of mechanisms as part of the non-discretionary general dental services and PCT-led personal dental service pilots. A separate breakdown of DAC expenditure and allocations would be available only at disproportionate cost.
	For this and future years, PCTs will receive allocations, totalling around 1.7 billion for 2006-07, which include funding for the primary care dentistry they commission, including DACs. There is no funding stream or allocation specifically for DACs as it is now up to PCTs how they provide for the dental needs of their population.

Dentistry

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much will be allocated to the North West strategic health authority for dentistry in  (a) 2006-07,  (b) 2007-08 and  (c) 2008-09.

Rosie Winterton: The main element of national health service dental services is the primary dental care services provided by dentists working within the general dental service, or personal dental service. From 1 April 2006 all primary dental care services are managed locally, and the Department has allocated the sums shown in the table to primary care trusts (PCTs) in the area of the proposed North West strategic health authority (SHA) to support primary dental care in 2006-07. As well as the net primary dental service resource allocations awarded to PCTs, the table indicates the gross budget and associated patient charge income that might be expected to be available to each PCT.
	Net primary dental service allocations for 2007-08 and 2008-09 will be announced later.
	PCTs decide locally what proportion of their general NHS resource allocation should be awarded to hospital and community dental services, or whether any additional funding should be directed to primary dental care services.
	
		
			  Primary dental service allocations, North West SHA, 2006-07 
			   
			  PCT  Gross primary dental service budget  Expected patient dental charge income  Net primary dental service allocation( 1) 
			 Ashton, Leigh and Wigan 17,602,466 5,158,289 12,444,000 
			 Bebington and West Wirral 6,226,387 2,550,061 3,676,000 
			 Birkenhead and Wallasey 14,447,946 5,122,871 9,325,000 
			 Blackburn with Darwen 8,754,008 1,702,986 7,051,000 
			 Blackpool 7,172,278 2,302,558 4,870,000 
			 Bolton 11,644,961 3,001,079 8,644,000 
			 Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale 11,554,735 2,117,703 9,437,000 
			 Bury 10,854,198 2,673,946 8,180,000 
			 Carlisle and District 5,026,042 1,782,379 3,244,000 
			 Central Cheshire 12,951,298 3,964,221 8,987,000 
			 Central Liverpool 12,419,045 1,903,304 10,516,000 
			 Central Manchester 9,447,734 1,532,950 7,915,000 
			 Cheshire West 9,539,578 2,442,551 7,097,000 
			 Chorley and South Ribble 9,162,204 2,910,573 6,252,000 
			 Eastern Cheshire 11,730,572 3,818,513 7,912,000 
			 Eden Valley 2,914,434 946,131 1,968,000 
			 Ellesmere Port and Neston 4,106,753 875,438 3,231,000 
			 Fylde 4,749,298 1,701,243 3,048,000 
			 Halton 5,676,761 1,421,347 4,255,000 
			 Heywood and Middleton 3,276,112 1,154,679 2,121,000 
			 Hyndburn and Ribble Valley 4,193,437 689,337 3,504,000 
			 Knowsley 6,081,885 1,226,065 4,856,000 
			 Morecambe Bay 13,802,811 4,390,064 9,413,000 
			 North Liverpool 8,186,286 1,715,471 6,471,000 
			 North Manchester 8,241,470 1,624,418 6,617,000 
			 Oldham 11,012,088 2,815,885 8,196,000 
			 Preston 6,951,495 1,786,215 5,165,000 
			 Rochdale 4,963,466 1,250,009 3,713,000 
			 Salford 13,087,352 2,754,823 10,333,000 
			 South Liverpool 4,048,564 1,193,812 2,855,000 
			 South Manchester 6,457,458 1,380,138 5,077,000 
			 South Sefton 7,360,250 1,327,347 6,033,000 
			 Southport and Formby 7,454,219 2,093,612 5,361,000 
			 St. Helens 9,459,367 2,411,272 7,048,000 
			 Stockport 16,694,808 5,463,159 11,232,000 
			 Tameside and Glossop 13,284,656 3,553,961 9,731,000 
			 Trafford North 4,174,013 1,295,351 2,879,000 
			 Trafford South 7,064,968 2,394,968 4,670,000 
			 Warrington 10,577,339 3,467,339 7,110,000 
			 West Cumbria 5,739,957 1,946,624 3,793,000 
			 West Lancashire 8,129,005 1,715,409 6,414,000 
			 Wyre 5,665,506 1,837,507 3,828,000 
			 Total 361,887,208 97,415,608 264,472,000 
			 (1) Rounded to nearest 000

Dentistry

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dentists in Suffolk have  (a) been offered,  (b) not yet accepted and  (c) declined the new NHS contract.

Rosie Winterton: Information on the number of dentists who have signed the new contract is not available centrally. We do however have some provisional information that covers contracts. A contract may be for more that one dentist so cannot be broken down further to individual dentist level.
	The following table shows the number of new dental contracts signed and rejected in the Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Strategic Health Authority area.
	
		
			   Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire SHA 
			  Contracts signed  
			 Number 358 
			 Nation Health Service service levels (compared with rejected contracts) (percentage) 95.9 
			   
			  Contracts rejected  
			 Number 52 
			  Source:  Department of Health

Dentistry

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment she has made of the level of access to NHS dentistry in Wellingborough.

Rosie Winterton: It is estimated that 61 per cent. of children and 47 per cent. of adults in the Northamptonshire Heartlands primary care trust area are registered with a national health service dentist. At 31 March 2006, 79,010 patients had been seen by a dentist in the last 15 months.

Dentistry

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  whether there are plans to issue further licences to companies to manufacture and supply dental anaesthetic;
	(2)  how much dental anaesthetic was imported in each of the last five years for which figures are available;
	(3)  what solutions have been considered to the dental anaesthetic shortage to ensure that service to patients is not disrupted;
	(4)  what has caused the shortage of the dental anaesthetic supplied by  (a) Dentsply and  (b) Deproco.

Rosie Winterton: Any company wishing to market dental local anaesthetics in the United Kingdom must first obtain marketing authorisations from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). These are granted only if the products meet the required standards of quality, safety and efficacy, and the MHRA cannot predict whether a marketing authorisation will be granted until assessment of all relevant data is complete. Information on current applications is confidential. The MHRA have been kept aware of the recent supply difficulties.
	Information on the amount of dental anaesthetic imported is not held centrally.
	Dentsply experienced problems at its manufacturing site in the United States of America, and has had to identify an alternative production facility. There is no reported shortage of dental local anaesthetic from Deproco, which has increased its production to cover the predicted shortfall left by the temporary absence of Dentsply. Dentsply is doing everything possible to return to the market as soon as possible.
	The Department's chief dental officer wrote to all dentists in England to inform them of the current supply situation, advising them not to stockpile local anaesthetic. A statement was published on 20 April which is available on the Department's website at: www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/13/39/80/04133980.pdf

Dentistry

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many routine dental operations have been cancelled due to the current shortage of dental anaesthetic.

Rosie Winterton: The Department has not received reports of any dental operations cancelled because of a shortage of anaesthetic.

Dentistry

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make it her policy to require primary care trusts to find out which dentists in their area are taking on NHS patients, report the information to her Department on a regular basis, and make the information readily available to the public, including a local search facility under the dentists' link of the www.nhs.uk website.

Rosie Winterton: The nhs.uk website is set up to allow users to search for the dentists providing national health service services which are located nearest to the patient's home post code. Wider local searches are also available to find all dentists providing NHS services within a particular primary care trust (PCT) area.
	It is for PCTs to decide how most effectively to provide information to the local public about which dentists are currently accepting new patients and to agree local arrangements with NHS Direct and nhs.uk.

Dentistry

Robert Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will restructure the new NHS dentist contracts to increase the number of dentists accepting NHS patients.

Rosie Winterton: The new national health service's dental contract has been designed to support new ways of working that will support continued improvements in access to services. Primary care trusts (PCTs) are responsible for commissioning and developing services in their area to reflect the needs of the local population. The Department has established an implementation group comprising professional, patient and NHS representatives to review the impact of the reforms and check that they are achieving their intended benefits.

Dentistry

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS dentists per 1,000 of population there are in  (a) Bolton, South-East constituency,  (b) the North West and  (c) England.

Rosie Winterton: The numbers of dentists with a general dental services contract or personal dental services agreement per 1,000 of population as at 31 December 2005 for England, Greater Manchester Strategic Health Authority (SHA) and Bolton Primary Care Trust (PCT) are shown in the table. Population data at constituency level are not available.
	
		
			   Number 
			 England 0.418 
			 Greater Manchester SHA 0.413 
			 Bolton PCT 0.404 
			  Notes:  1. Official 2005 population data are not yet available. The figures in the table have therefore been estimated using Office for National Statistics 2004 mid-year population estimates based on the 2001 census as these are the latest available.  2. Dentists with CDS or PDS contracts provide varying amounts of NHS treatment. Information concerning the amount of time dedicated to NHS work by individual dentists are not centrally available.  3. Dentists consist of principals, assistants and trainees. Prison contracts have been excluded.  4. The postcode of the dental practice was used to allocate dentists to specific geographic areas. PCT and SHA areas have been defined using the Office for National Statistics All Fields Postcode Directory.   Source:  NHS Business Services Authority and Office for National Statistics.

Dentistry

Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dentists in each Birmingham constituency  (a) have and  (b) have not taken up the new NHS dental contract.

Rosie Winterton: Information on the number of dentists who have signed the new contract is not available centrally. We do, however, have some provisional information that covers contracts. A contract may be for more than one dentist, so cannot be broken down further to individual dentist level.
	
		
			   Contracts signed  Contracts still in discussion  Contracts rejected  Contracts signed 
			  Primary care trust  No.  Approx units of dental activity (UDA) value  No.  Approx UDA value  No.  Approx UDA value  %  No. signed without dispute  No. signed in dispute  % 
			 East Birmingham 30 382,676 0 0 0 0 0.0 14 16 53.3 
			 North Birmingham 20 232,566 0 0 5 5,563 2.3 14 6 30.0 
			 Solihull 35 247,656 0 0 3 1,503 0.6 8 27 77.1 
			 Dudley Beacon and Castle 16 198,442 0 0 0 0 0.0 16 0 0.0 
			 Dudley, South 40 345,700 0 0 4 35,064 9.2 37 3 7.5 
			 Walsall 35 377,201 0 0 0 0 0.0 30 5 14.3 
			 Wolverhampton City 46 451,843 0 0 3 2,847 0.6 36 10 21.7 
			 Heart of Birmingham 50 572,244 0 0 2 8,936 1.5 23 27 54.0 
			 South Birmingham 76 623,556 0 0 9 80,912 11.5 39 37 48.7 
			 Sandwell 49 637,384 0 0 0 0 0.0 3 46 93.9 
			 Total 397 4,069,268 0 0 26 134,825 3.2 220 177 44.6 
			  Note:  The information provided is not validated. It represents a snapshot of the position in early April. 
		
	
	A contract may be for either a practice or an individual dentist.
	PCTs are working with dentists to resolve as many disputes as possible locally.

Diabetes

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many people in  (a) England,  (b) each English region,  (c) the Tees Valley and  (d) Middlesbrough, South and East Cleveland aged (i) 0 to 15 years, (ii) 16 to 24 years, (iii) 25 to 39 years and (iv) 40 years and above are diagnosed with diabetes;
	(2)  what the percentage change was in the diagnosis of diabetes cases among people aged  (a) 0 to 15 years,  (b) 16 to 24 years,  (c) 25 to 39 years and  (d) 40 years and above in (i) England, (ii) each English region, (iii) the Tees Valley and (iv) Middlesbrough, South and East Cleveland in each year since 1997.

Rosie Winterton: The information is not collected in the format requested. The Health Survey for England provides estimates of doctor-diagnosed diabetes for adults in England. Data are not available for children. However, estimates are available for the prevalence of doctor-diagnosed diabetes among men and women aged 16 and over in England in each of the years 1994, 1998, and 2003 for the following age groups: 16 to 24, 25 to 34, 35 to 44, 45 to 54, 55 to 64, 65 to 74 and 75+. These data are shown in Table one. Table two gives a regional breakdown by Government office region (GOR) and by gender.
	
		
			  Table 1. Prevalence of doctor-diagnosed diabetes( 1)  among adults( 2) , by age group and sex, England 1994,1998 and 2003: England 
			  Percentages 
			   16-24  25-34  35-44  45-54  55-64  65-74  75+  Total 
			  Men 
			 1994 0.8 0.8 1.0 2.5 6.4 5.8 7.5 2.9 
			 1998 0.1 0.7 1.6 2.9 5.8 7.0 8.7 3.3 
			 2003 (unweighted)(3) 0.4 0.4 2.6 3.5 8.0 11.8 9.9 4.8 
			  
			  Women 
			 1994 0.6 0.3 0.9 1.5 2.5 4.8 5.2 1.9 
			 1998 0.8 0.7 0.9 1.6 3.1 6.6 6.6 2.5 
			 2003 (unweighted)(3) 0.8 0.9 1.5 2.5 4.7 8.3 8.9 3.6 
			  
			  Bases 
			  Men 
			 1994 968 1,434 1,329 1,127 1,001 877 441 7,177 
			 1998 875 1,338 1,305 1,289 987 837 562 7,193 
			 2003 (unweighted) 746 1,025 1,263 1,101 1,103 807 557 8,462 
			  
			  Women 
			 1994 1,080 1,723 1,520 1,300 1,059 1,120 825 8,627 
			 1998 1,006 1,630 1,573 1,484 1,148 967 907 8,715 
			 2003 (unweighted) 890 1,285 1,618 1,279 1,307 952 903 10,091 
			 (1) Includes type 1 and type 2 diabetes.  (2) Adults aged 16 and over. (3) Data from 2003 onwards have been weighted for non-response. Unweighted data for 2003 onwards are provided for consistency with previous years which are also unweighted.   Source:  Health Survey for England in 2004updating of trend tables to include 2004 data. The Information Centre. 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2. Doctor-diagnosed diabetes prevalence (observed and age-standardised) of adults( 1) , by Government office region and sex: 2003  England 
			  Percentages 
			   Government office region 
			  Doctor-diagnosed diabetes  North East  North West  Yorkshire and the Humber  East Midlands  West Midlands  East England  London  South East  South West 
			  Men  
			 Observed 3.9 3.8 4 4.3 5.4 5.6 5.1 2.4 3.4 
			 Standardised 3.1 3.3 3.5 3.7 4.9 4.8 5.4 2.9 2.8 
			   
			  Women  
			 Observed 2.8 2.8 2.9 3.7 4 3.8 3.8 3.5 3.2 
			 Standardised 2.5 2.7 2.8 3.5 3.8 3.7 4.4 3.2 2.7 
			   
			  Bases (unweighted)  
			 Men 398 933 631 617 718 718 849 1,022 645 
			 Women 517 1,146 793 769 913 913 1,061 1,287 803 
			   
			  Bases (weighted)  
			 Men 368 963 712 635 770 815 1,077 1,153 709 
			 Women 416 1,025 769 660 817 844 1,102 1,233 769 
			 (1) Adults aged 16 and over.   Source:  Health Survey for England 2003

Diabetes

Shailesh Vara: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many and what percentage of  (a) adults and  (b) children have Type 2 diabetes; and what the figures were in each year since 1997.

Rosie Winterton: The Health Survey for England provides estimates of doctor-diagnosed diabetes. We are unable to provide figures of the percentage of children who have diabetes, as this information is not collected for children in the survey. However, we can provide the prevalence of adults with type 2 diabetes in England, in 2003, by sex. This data is shown in the following table. Data from previous Health Surveys' are not comparable to the 2003 data.
	
		
			  Prevalence of doctor-diagnosed type 2 diabetes of adults( 1) , by sex, 2003, England 
			   Number of doctor-diagnosed diabetes  Percentage of doctor-diagnosed diabetes 
			 Men  3.8 
			 Women  3.1 
			
			  Bases (unweighted)   
			 Men 6,602  
			 Women 8,234  
			
			  Bases (weighted)   
			 Men 7,202  
			 Women 7,634  
			 (1) Adults aged 16 and over.   Source:  Health Survey for England 2003.

Diabetes

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions she has had with  (a) physicians,  (b) patients and  (c) care groups about advances in diabetes care.

Rosie Winterton: I met with Diabetes UK, the major charity in the United Kingdom working for people with diabetes, on 10 May 2006.

Diabetes

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations she has received on the merits of the use of insulin inhalers.

Rosie Winterton: We have received a number of items of correspondence on inhaled insulin from the manufacturer of inhaled insulin, from Members of Parliament on behalf of their constituents, and from people with diabetes, their relatives and carers. The correspondence relates to the recent interim decision by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence not to recommend inhaled insulin for the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, except in the context of clinical trials.

Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate she has made of the cost savings to the NHS resulting from value for money recommendations contained in the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin.

Andy Burnham: I have made no such assessment.

Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin

Graham Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate she has made of the cost savings from ending her Department's funding of the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin.

Andy Burnham: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 23 May 2006,  Official Report, column 1743W.

Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria the Department used in making the decision to withdraw central funds from the Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin.

Andy Burnham: This decision was informed by our policy to devolve as much responsibility as possible to the national health service and to look very critically at central spending. It is our policy that central spending should be kept to an absolute minimum in order to maximise the resources available for the NHS to manage at local level. The decision also took account of the availability of other sources of medicines information.

Eating Disorders

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many and what percentage of people were estimated to have an eating disorder in each of the regions in each of the last three years;
	(2)  how many deaths in each of the regions have had eating disorders recorded as a contributory factor in each of the last five years.

Rosie Winterton: The number and percentage of people estimated to have an eating disorder in each of the regions in England in each of the last three years is shown in Tables 1, 2 and 3. The data refer only to patients who were admitted to hospital and who had a primary diagnosis of eating disorder, but no data are available for patients with eating disorders who were not admitted to hospital.
	Corroborative data are not available which attribute the cause of death wholly or partly to an eating disorder, and where there has also been admittance to hospital with a primary diagnosis of eating disorder. The cause of death in hospital may be unrelated to the primary diagnosis, which provides the main reason for a patient's admission only.
	
		
			  Table 1: All diagnoses count of patients with eating disorders (ICD-10 F50) and as a percentage of the total population, NHS hospitals, 2002-03 
			  Government office region of residence  All diagnoses of patients with eating disorders admitted into NHS hospitals 2002-03  Estimated population for 2002  All diagnoses of patients with eating disorders admitted into NHS hospitals as a percentage of the total population 2002-03 
			 North East 111 2,538,005 0.00 
			 North West 307 6,783,485 0.00 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 213 4,993,126 0.00 
			 East Midlands 186 4,222,937 0.00 
			 West Midlands 209 5,304,144 0.00 
			 East of England 266 5,422,397 0.00 
			 London 340 7,371,239 0.00 
			 South East 440 8,043,971 0.01 
			 South West 328 4,967,549 0,01 
			 Other (Non-England and unknown) 55   
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: All diagnoses count of patients with eating disorders (ICD-10 F50) and as a percentage of the total population, NHS hospitals, 2003-04 
			  Government office region of residence  All diagnoses of patients with eating disorders admitted into NHS hospitals 2003-04  Estimated population for 2003  All diagnoses of patients with eating disorders admitted into NHS hospitals as a percentage of the total population 2003-04 
			 North East 1,359 2,539,363 0.01 
			 North West 302 6,804,532 0.00 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 213 5,009,306 0.00 
			 East Midlands 193 4,252,294 0.00 
			 West Midlands 229 5,319,892 0.00 
			 East of England 249 5,462,918 0.00 
			 London 317 7,387,868 0.00 
			 South East 449 8,080,280 0.01 
			 South West 314 4,999,287 0.01 
			 Other (Non-England and unknown) 27   
		
	
	
		
			  Table 3: All diagnoses count of patients with eating disorders (ICD-10 F50) and as a percentage of the total population, NHS hospitals 2004-05 
			  Government office region of residence  All diagnoses of patients with eating disorders admitted into NHS hospitals 2004-05  Estimated population for 2004  All diagnoses of patients with eating disorders admitted into NHS hospitals as a percentage of the total population 2004-05 
			 North East 129 2,545,073 0.01 
			 North West 329 6,827,170 0.00 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber 194 5,038,849 0.00 
			 East Midlands 215 4,279,707 0.01 
			 West Midlands 221 5,334,006 0.00 
			 East of England 288 5,491,293 0.01 
			 London 362 7,428,590 0.00 
			 South East 439 8,110,242 0.01 
			 South West 311 5,038,200 0.01 
			 Other (Non-England and unknown) 55   
			  Notes:  1. All diagnoses count of patients: these figures represent a count of all patients where the diagnosis was mentioned in any of the 14 (seven prior to 2002-03) diagnosis fields in a HES record.  2. The primary diagnosis is the first of up to 14 (seven prior to 2002-03) diagnosis fields in the HES data set and provides the main reason why the patient was in hospital.   Source:  Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), The Information Centre for Health and Social Care.

European Nutrition for Health Alliance International Longevity Centre UK

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations her Department has received from the  (a) European Nutrition for Health Alliance and  (b) International Longevity Centre UK.

Rosie Winterton: The Department has not, to date, received any representations from either the European Nutrition for Health Alliance or the International Longevity Centre UK.

Fraser Day Hospital

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she expects Milton Keynes primary care trust's consultation on the closure of the Fraser day hospital to end; and who the consultees are.

Andy Burnham: Public consultation commenced on 8 May and is due to run for 90 days. Those being consulted include staff, patients, the general public, voluntary organisations, Members of Parliament, local authorities, and local overview and scrutiny committees.

Health Services (Cornwall)

Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of accident and emergency patients in Cornwall had a trolley wait of over four hours in the last period for which figures are available.

Caroline Flint: Information on the percentage of patients not placed in a bed in a ward within four hours of a decision to admit, commonly referred to as a trolley wait, is reported by national health service trusts and published quarterly. Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust reported that 3.4 per cent. of patients were in this position for the period January to March 2006. This information is for admissions from type one (major) accident and emergency departments only.
	Further information is available on the Department's website at: www.performance.doh.gov .uk/hospitalactivity.

Hospices

Greg Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she expects to increase the proportion of the costs of hospices contributed by the NHS.

Rosie Winterton: Primary care trusts (PCTs) are responsible within the national health service for commissioning and funding services for their resident population, including palliative care. The Government have met their commitment in the NHS Cancer Plan to provide an extra 50 million per annum for specialist palliative care. This represents a 40 per cent. increase in NHS funding on 2000 levels. PCTs, having assessed their local priorities, can invest more. This investment must be in line with local strategic plans and an assessment of need.
	The NHS is currently receiving the largest sustained increase in funding in its history. PCTs will be able to use these extra resources to deliver on both national and local priorities including, as they determine, palliative care.

Hospital Building

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the major hospital building projects that  (a) are under way and  (b) have received building permission.

Andy Burnham: The following information lists the major hospital building projects that are under construction:
	University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire;
	East Lancashire Hospitals;
	Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership;
	Lewisham Hospital;
	Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals;
	Brighton and Sussex University;
	Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals;
	Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals;
	Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals;
	Leeds Teaching Hospitals;
	Central Manchester and Manchester Children's Hospitals;
	Sherwood Forest Hospitals;
	Portsmouth Hospitals; and
	Barts and The London Hospitals.
	All schemes are required to have secured outline and full planning permission as a condition of approval to proceed to construction.

Hospital Provision (Liverpool)

Louise Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she last reviewed strategic hospital provision in Liverpool; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: It is the responsibility of the Cheshire and Merseyside strategic health authority to build capacity and create a strategic framework for the improvement of the health service in Cheshire and Merseyside, including the provision of hospital services.

Islington Primary Care Trust

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the total spending by Islington primary care trust was in each of the last five years; what those figures represent per capita; what the capita figures were for the rest of London in each year; and what the estimated figures are for 2006-07.

Ivan Lewis: The table shows total expenditure and expenditure per head by Islington primary care trust (PCT) and organisations in London.
	
		
			   Islington PCT  London strategic health authorities (SHA) area 
			   Expenditure (000)  Expenditure per head ()  Expenditure per head () 
			 2002-03 260,897 1,444.14 1,186.77 
			 2003-04 261,761 1,448.92 1,315.78 
			 2004-05 313,248 1,721.45 1,441.33 
			  Notes:  1. Islington PCT did not come into existence until 1 April 2002.  2. Expenditure by strategic health authority area is taken as the total expenditure of the strategic health authority, and primary care trusts within the strategic health authority area.  3. Expenditure on general dental services and pharmaceutical services accounted for by the Dental Practice Board and Prescription Pricing Authority, respectively, are excluded. This expenditure cannot be included within the figures for the individual health bodies as they are not included in commissioner accounts.   Sources:  Audited summarisation forms of London SHAs 2002-03 to 2004-05. Audited summarisation schedules of London primary care trusts 2002-03 to 2004-05.

Language Assessments

Francis Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what language assessments are undertaken by non-UK trained  (a) medical and  (b) nursing staff before they are permitted to work in the NHS.

Rosie Winterton: Medical and nursing overseas applicants must be registered by the General Medical Council (GMC) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) respectively before being permitted to work in the national health service. Both the GMC and the NMC require applicants from outside the European Economic Area to demonstrate competence in the English language by achieving a specific mark in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). NHS employees have a responsibility to satisfy themselves that doctors and nurses they employ are able to communicate effectively and may decide to test accordingly.

Local Improvement Schemes

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list local improvement finance trust schemes undertaken in  (a) Shrewsbury and Atcham constituency and  (b) Shropshire in each year since the initiative was introduced.

Rosie Winterton: There are no local improvement finance trusts (LIFT) schemes in the Shrewsbury and Atcham constituency or in Shropshire. It is for local primary care trusts to decide to seek approval from the Department to establish LIFT schemes in their areas, and they do this in the light of the health and social care needs of their population. The local primary care trusts have decided not to seek approval to establish LIFT schemes in their areas.

Lowermoor Water Pollution

Michael Meacher: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will arrange for funding for a systematic long-term study of the health effects that  (a) have resulted and  (b) will result from the Lowermoor water pollution incident.

Caroline Flint: We will consider the need for further work on health effects of the Lowermoor water pollution incident after we have received the final report of the Lowermoor sub-group of the committee on toxicity of chemicals in food, consumer products and the environment. The draft report has been out for consultation.

Lyme Disease

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the Department is providing for research into Lyme disease in 2006-07; and how much was spent in each of the last three years.

Caroline Flint: The Department is funding research by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in two areas relating to Lyme disease: diagnosis and detection, and a survey of ticks.
	The HPA's Lyme disease specialist reference unit laboratory, which undertakes routine diagnostic work, is conducting research in diagnosis and detection. The costs of the research work are financed from the core funding of the HPA and are not separately identifiable.
	A survey of ticks is being undertaken by HPA's centre for emergency preparedness and response. Funding for this is through HPA's grant in aid and the estimated costs for this work is as follows:
	
		
			   
			   Amount 
			 2006-07(1) 38,777 
			 2005-06 37,286 
			 2004-05 35,851 
			 (1) Full year projection 
		
	
	Figures are not available for 2003-04.

Macfarlane Trust

Stephen Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  whether she has arranged to meet the Chairman of the Macfarlane Trust to discuss the Trust's report requesting increased funding for people with haemophilia who were infected with HIV by their NHS treatment;
	(2)  what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the average payment to those registered with the Macfarlane Trust;
	(3)  what response her Department has made to the recommendation in the business case of the Macfarlane Trust that a capital sum should be paid to the surviving registrants of the Trust.

Caroline Flint: The Department is considering a submission from the Macfarlane Trust seeking increased funding. This consideration will be concluded shortly. It is the Department's intention to continue funding the Trust on a year to year basis. I have written to the chairman of the Macfarlane Trust agreeing to arrange a meeting.

Medicine Disposal

Ken Purchase: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to prevent the inappropriate  (a) use and  (b) disposal of drugs following the death of a person in receipt of prescribed medicines.

Andy Burnham: A number of steps have been taken. As part of the new contractual framework that went live from April 2005, all community pharmacies are expected to accept unwanted medicines and should have suitable and safe arrangements for the collection and safe disposal of medicines. The profile of safe use, storage and disposal of medicines has been raised through NHS Direct's website and the NHS Direct section of the Thompson local directory, which is issued to all households. We are also in discussion with NHS Direct to develop a leaflet, which professionals can give to members of the public when they are prescribed controlled drugs to ensure that they understand the importance of taking these medicines, and also to encourage them to return unused and unwanted medicines to pharmacies for safe disposal. We take every appropriate opportunity to communicate messages of safe use and disposal of medicines in our communication strategy.
	The Fourth Report of the Shipman Inquiry made a number of recommendations to ensure the appropriate disposal of controlled drugs following the death of the person in receipt of these prescribed medicines. The Department is currently piloting patient drug record cards for schedule two injectable controlled drugs in the community.

Mental Health

Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the findings were of the race equality impact assessment of the 2004 draft Mental Health Bill; and when she expects to publish the assessment.

Rosie Winterton: As the draft Mental Health Bill published in 2004 no longer represents current Government policy on mental health legislation we have not and do not intend to finalise the report of the race equality impact assessment (REIA) that was undertaken last year. However, we have listened to what people said during the consultation on the 2004 draft Bill and we will carry forward their comments when developing the REIA for the amending Bill.
	We will be publishing a summary of the responses collected from the former REIA process, to assist in the development of issues for the current REIA. The summary will be available on the Department website shortly.
	Information about the Mental Health Bill REIA is available on the Department's website at www.dh.gov.uk/Consultations/LiveConsultations/LiveConsultations Article/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4134722chk=Uug Hb7.

Mental Health

Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration has been given to the insertion of a non-discrimination clause in the Bill to amend the Mental Health Act 1983.

Rosie Winterton: There is no need to include a non-discrimination clause in the Bill to amend the Mental Health Act because the legislation must work in conjunction with other non-discrimination legislation, including the Race Relations Act, which prohibits any discrimination on racial grounds including race, colour, nationality or ethnic or national origins, and the Disability Discrimination Act.
	However, while there is no need to duplicate this principle in primary legislation, we recognise the need to ensure that this important principle is understood and adhered to by those who use the Mental Health Act. We will therefore include guidance on how to avoid discrimination in the Mental Health Code of Practice.

Mental Health

Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether she plans to conduct a race equality impact assessment of  (a) amendments to the Mental Health Act 1983 to be made by the planned Mental Health Bill and  (b) the Mental Health Act 1983, as amended, in its entirety.

Rosie Winterton: We are currently conducting a race equality impact assessment (REIA) of the amendments to the Mental Health Act 1983. As part of this, we will be holding a series of workshop events across the country which started at the end of May and will run throughout the beginning of June this year. In addition we have published a questionnaire on our website and we are engaging with relevant stakeholders to ensure that as many people as possible are involved in the process.
	The Race Relations Amendment Act requires us to assess and consult on the impact of proposed polices. That is what we are doing. We will not be carrying out a race equality impact assessment on the entire Mental Health Act 1983. However, in line with our commitment to monitoring existing policies for adverse impact, we will be noting any issues that are raised about the existing Act when we consult for the REIA on the amending Bill.

Mental Health

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which parts of the original proposed draft Mental Health Bill she plans to introduce by regulation; and on what timescale.

Rosie Winterton: There are a number of policies which were in the 2004 draft Mental Health Bill which we are not intending to take forward in the proposed Bill to amend the Mental Health Act 1983. Our intention with the proposed amending Bill is to focus on the main priorities in terms of modernising mental health legislation. Some of the policies which will not be in the amending Bill may be taken forward through other means.
	For example, we are using our programme on risk management to promote the importance of care planning and we intend to use the Code of Practice to provide guidance on many issues, such as the importance of information sharing between agencies involved in a patient's care. We may also use other legislative vehicles to introduce some of the changes previously planned. For example, we are currently considering the possibility of using other legislation to provide a second tier appellate structure allowing for appeals to be heard within the tribunal system but this will not be specific to mental health, and to improve the monitoring functions of the Mental Health Act Commission. We will also be exploring the scope for clarifying the safeguards for children, if necessary through the amendment of existing regulations and guidance.
	In terms of the changes we are planning to make to the 1983 Act, these may involve some new powers to make secondary legislation. In particular, we are intending to improve patient safeguards by increasing the speed and frequency of the Mental Health Review Tribunal's consideration of cases for all civil patients treated under the Act, by taking an order making power.

Multi-professional Education and Training Budget

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the multi-professional education and training budget was in each year for which figures are available; and what budget is planned for future years.

Rosie Winterton: The amount budgeted for the multi-professional education and training budget in each year for which figures are available is shown in the table. Budgets for 2006-07 onwards have not yet been determined.
	
		
			   million 
			   Multi-professional education and training 
			 1996-97 1,706 
			 1997-98 1,802 
			 1998-99 1,891 
			 1999-2000 2,056 
			 2000-01 2,385 
			 2001-02 2,545 
			 2002-03 3,076 
			 2003-04 3,436 
			 2004-05 3,813 
			 2005-06 3,929

National Service Framework for Long-term Conditions

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to assess the implementation of the national service framework for long-term conditions.

Ivan Lewis: Progress on implementation of the national service framework (NSF) for long-term conditions will be measured in a number of ways, including:
	research studies commissioned as part of a national research initiative to underpin implementation of the NSF, to provide baseline data needed to measure the subsequent impact of the NSF;
	work to develop a national minimum dataset for long-term neurological conditions;
	implementation of clinical indicators developed as part of the Better Metrics programme; and
	work with the Healthcare Commission and Commission for Social Care Inspection to identify ways of monitoring and inspecting progress.

Neo-natal Nursing

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many vacancies there are for neo-natal nursing staff in each  (a) regional health authority and  (b) NHS trust; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The number of vacancies for neo-natal nursing staff is not collected centrally.

NHS Deficits

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate she has made of the number of  (a) nurses and  (b) midwives who may lose their jobs as a consequence of NHS deficits.

Rosie Winterton: Decisions on such posts are made locally and the Department does not collect information of this kind centrally.

NHS Direct

Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  when Ministers ceased to monitor the number of disabled nurses employed by NHS Direct;
	(2)  how many former paramedics are employed by NHS Direct; how many of them are disabled; and how many of the latter are employed at call centres planned for closure.

Rosie Winterton: The Department does not monitor the number of disabled staff employed by NHS Direct.
	Information on how many former paramedics are employed by NHS Direct and how many of them are disabled is not centrally held. It may be available from the Chairman of NHS Direct special health authority.

NHS Expenditure

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of the total NHS budget was spent on  (a) mental health services,  (b) prescription drugs and  (c) anti-depressants in each of the last five years.

Rosie Winterton: Information is not available in the requested format. Information on expenditure by the national health service on mental health services in each of the last five years for which data are available is shown in Table 1. The table also shows the proportion of mental health expenditure as part of the hospital and community mental health services budget. The data exclude social care spend on people with mental health problems, and expenditure concerning people treated in primary care for whom a specific diagnosis has not been reached. The figures therefore underestimate the total mental health expenditure.
	
		
			  Table 1 
			  Gross expenditure on mental health (volume terms)  1999-2000  2000-01  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04 
			 Total mental health ( million) 4,067 4,379 4,423 4^837 5,088 
			 Total hospital and community health services ( million) 32,950 34,444 34,817 36,911 38,151 
			 Mental health proportion (percentage) 12.34 12.71 12.70 13.11 13.34 
		
	
	Information on the value of anti-depressant items and all items prescribed on the NHS in England are set out in Tables 2 and 3 respectively.
	
		
			  Table 2: NHS anti-depressant prescription medications in England 2000 to 2005quantity and cost 
			   Number of anti-depressant medicines prescribed on the NHS in England  Value of anti-depressant items prescribed on the NHS in England () 
			 2000 22,021,840 310,378,169 
			 2001 24,342,713 341,660,880 
			 2002 26,329,382 380,883,112 
			 2003 27,657,990 395,178,028 
			 2004 28,995,511 400,681,709 
			 2005 29,389,874 338,546,700 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 3: NHS prescription medications in England 2000 to 2005quantity and cost 
			   Items  Costs 
			 2000 551,842,948 5,584,645,465 
			 2001 587,049,035 6,116,568,857 
			 2002 617,021,718 6,846,655,592 
			 2003 649,702,677 7,510,133,590 
			 2004 686,138,915 8,079,566,994 
			 2005 720,283,164 7,936,564,031

NHS Expenditure

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the NHS has spent per head of population in  (a) Staffordshire and  (b) Tamworth constituency in each year since 1997.

Rosie Winterton: The information is not available in the format requested.
	The table shows the total expenditure per head by organisations within the current Shropshire and Staffordshire strategic health authority (SHA) area.
	
		
			   Expenditure per head () 
			 1997-98 558.27 
			 1998-99 598.72 
			 1999-2000 694.25 
			 2000-01 740.03 
			 2001-02 923.09 
			 2002-03 870.69 
			 2003-04 975.36 
			 2004-05 1,132.57 
			  Notes:  1. Expenditure by strategic health authority area is taken as the total expenditure of the strategic health authority, predecessor health authorities and primary care trusts within the current strategic health authority area.  2. Expenditure on general dental services and pharmaceutical services accounted for by the Dental Practice Board and Prescription Pricing Authority, respectively, are excluded. This expenditure cannot be included within the figures for the individual health bodies as they are not included in commissioner accounts.  3. 2004-05 is the latest year for which information is available.   Sources:  Audited accounts of relevant health authorities 1997-98 and 1998-99. Audited summarisation forms of relevant health authorities 1999-2000 to 2001-02. Audited summarisation schedules of relevant primary care trusts 2000-01 to 2004-05. Audited summarisation forms of Shropshire and Staffordshire SHA 2002-03 to 2004-05.

NHS Finance

Julie Kirkbride: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the NHS has not recovered from sums owed following privately-provided health services on NHS premises in each of the last five years.

Rosie Winterton: The amount of debt written off by national health service bodies relating to private and overseas patients is shown in the table.
	
		
			   ( thousand) 
			 2000-01 4,062 
			 2001-02 2,719 
			 2002-03 4,083 
			 2003-04 4,805 
			 2004-05 4,333 
			  Note:  2004-05figures for NHS foundation trusts are not included.   Source:  Audited health authority summarisation forms 2000-01 to 2001-02. Audited strategic health authority summarisation forms 2002-03 to 2004-05. Audited primary care trust summarisation schedules 2000-01 to 2004-05. Audited NHS trust summarisation schedules 2000-01 to 2004-05. 
		
	
	The figure for 2004-05 represents 1.3 per cent. of the income from private patients and trusts are expected to take action to recover all unpaid bills.

NHS Finance

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average rent paid by NHS institutions is for buildings provided under the private finance initiative as a percentage of the total cost of such buildings; and if she will make a statement.

Andy Burnham: There is no rent paid by the national health service for buildings provided under the private finance initiative. Instead, the NHS pays an operating payment each year, for the use of the serviced asset, during the life of the contract. Payments due are related to the availability of the hospital and the attainment by the private sector of agreed quality standards.

NHS Management

Francis Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS trust  (a) chief executives,  (b) chairmen and  (c) senior managers are qualified (i) doctors, (ii) nurses and (iii) other healthcare professionals; and what plans she has to increase these figures.

Rosie Winterton: Information in respect of chief executives and senior managers is not collected centrally. The NHS Appointments Commission is responsible for appointing the chairmen of NHS organisations, a number of whom are retired clinicians. I have asked the Appointments Commission to write to the right hon. Gentleman direct with the information he seeks.

NHS Pension Scheme

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many members there are of the NHS pension scheme; and how many of those are pensioners.

Rosie Winterton: Details of the membership of the NHS pension scheme at 31 December 2005 are shown in the following table.
	
		
			   Number 
			 Active members(1) 1,320,792 
			 Deferred members(2) 354,342 
			 Pensioners(3) 543,080 
			 Total 2,218,214 
			 (1) Active members means members who are currently contributing to the NHS pension scheme.  (2) Deferred members means members who no longer contribute to the NHS pension scheme but have retained benefits in the scheme.  (3) Pensioners means members, or dependants, who are currently in receipt of NHS pension benefits.   Source:  NHS Business Services Authority Pensions Division quarterly performance management report period 1 October to 31 December 2005 (scheme profile dated 19 January 2006).

NHS Pension Scheme

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the causes are of delays experienced by the NHS Pension Scheme Penserver development.

Rosie Winterton: The NHS Pension Scheme Penserver development is currently running to time on a timetable agreed in July 2005. The timetable was revised following a review which aimed to align the Penserver development with the anticipated needs of the NHS Pension Scheme review.

NHS Priorities

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the sets of priorities in operation in the NHS in England; how many of these sets of priorities include mental health; and what assessment she has made of the inter-relationship between the various sets of priorities.

Rosie Winterton: National health service priorities for 2005 to 2008 are set out in National Standards, Local Action: Health and Social Care Standards and Planning Framework 2005-06-2007-08, and are available from the Department's website at www.dh.gov.uk. These detail healthcare standards, existing commitments and new national targets. The standards themselves will be taken into account by primary care trusts and other national health service organisations providing NHS care directly, in all settings, and aim to safeguard and raise quality and safety across the board.
	The operating framework, published by the Department in January, sets out the NHS's specific business and financial arrangements for 2006-07. It, identifies six priorities for local delivery plans which will require particular attention in 2006-07, to ensure delivery of national targets by 2008 and beyond:
	health inequalities, focusing on life expectancy at birth by focusing initially on smoking cessation;
	achieving a maximum waiting time of two months (62 days) from urgent referral to treatment and one month (31 days) from diagnosis to treatment for all cancers;
	achieving an 18-week maximum wait from general practitioner referral to hospital treatment by 2008;
	achieving year-on-year reductions in methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) levels as set out in the agreed local delivery plans for 2006-07;
	ensuring that all hospital appointments can be booked for patients' convenience through choose and book and that every patient is offered a choice of four or more providers; and
	improving access to genitor-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics so that by 2008 all people referred to GUM clinics can have an appointment within 48 hours.
	The six priorities do not include mental health. We have also made it very clear to primary care trusts and their partner organisations that they are expected to deliver the existing mental health commitments by their target dates, and to maintain that level of performance beyond the target date. This will be monitored by the Healthcare Commission's annual health check. Thanks to the strong emphasis we put on improving mental health services since publishing the NHS Plan in 2000, very significant progress has been made to date.

NHS Salaries

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many employees in the NHS earn over 100,000 per annum, broken down by profession; and what the breakdown was in 2001.

Rosie Winterton: We do not hold salary information for all individual members of staff in the national health service. The only source of information that we can draw on is the biennial NHS Earnings Survey.
	The NHS Earnings Survey looks at a sample of all directly employed NHS staff, both medical and non-medical. This comprises all hospital and community health service staff, but does not include general practitioners and practice staff. The latest data available are for August 2004.
	Details on the percentage of staff numbers within the earnings survey who earn in excess of 100,000 per annum by basic staff group within the 2002 and 2004 earnings survey are shown in the table.
	
		
			  Percentage of staff earning in excess of 100,000 per annum by basic staff group in the 2004 and 2002 NHS Staff Earnings SurveyEngland 
			  Headcount (numbers) 
			All staff  Medical and dental  General senior managers  Nursing and midwifery qualified  Scientific and professional qualified 
			 2004 Percentage of sample earning over  100,000 per annum 0.9 12.1 0.1 0 0.0 
			  Sample size (from earnings survey) 461,775 35,502 16,038 150,236 9,615 
			 2002 Percentage of sample earning over  100,000 per annum 0.4 4.6 0.4 0.0 0.0 
			  Sample size (from earnings survey) 440,026 35,409 17,108 130,301 8,309 
			  Notes:  1. The Earnings Survey is based on a sample of approximately 50 per cent. NHS trusts in August. Figures are from SPS payroll data from all trusts in the survey for the month of August.  2. Earnings figures are based on monthly payments in August multiplied by 12 to give annual equivalent amounts.  3. The sample used in the survey is not necessarily geographically or structurally representative of all trusts in the English NHS.  4. Figures are derived from the sum of an individual's NHS earnings as found within the earnings survey. 5. Percentages are rounded to one decimal place.   Source:  The Information Centre for health and social care earnings survey.

NHS Salaries

Joan Humble: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average salary was of a nurse in the NHS in  (a) 1997 and  (b) in the latest year for which information is available.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is shown in the table. The earliest year for which comparable data are available is 1999. This represented an increase during the period of 22 per cent.
	
		
			  Estimated average salary of qualified nurses and midwives: England 
			  Qualified nurses and midwives group  Salary  
			 1999 18,600 
			 2004 22,700 
			  Source:  The Information Centre for health and social care NHS Staff Earnings Survey

NHS Spinal Cord Injury Centres

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations she has received regarding the capacity and funding of NHS spinal cord injury centres.

Ivan Lewis: Ministers and officials regularly receive representations about funding and service provision relating to a range of conditions, including spinal cord injury. These include a number of questions answered on 14 December 2005,  Official Report, columns 2172-73W.

NHS Trusts

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the former chief executives of NHS trusts who have subsequently undertaken work for the NHS as freelance consultants; and in each case where they were employed.

Rosie Winterton: The Department does not hold information on former chief executives of national health service trusts who have subsequently undertaken work for the NHS as freelance consultants.

Northamptonshire Heartlands Primary Care Trust

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the Answer of 8 May 2006, to Question reference 10626, on funding, what basis was used for the number of people in Northamptonshire Heartlands Primary Care Trust for the years (a) 2003-04, (b) 2004-05, (c) 2005-06, (d) 2006-07 and (e) 2007-08 when calculating the allocation per head of population.

Andy Burnham: General Practitioner practice lists at April 2004 scaled to Office for National Statistics 2003 based local authority population projections from 2003 to 2007 were used to calculate the allocations per head of population for the years 2003-04 to 2007-08 provided in the reply on 8 May 2006.
	The publication Resource Allocation: Weighted Capitation Formula is available on the Department's website at: www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/OrganisationPolicy/FinanceAndPlanning/Allocations/fs/en, which explains how primary care trust populations are calculated for resource allocation.

NovoRapid

Philip Dunne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has made of the post-marketing data available for the insulin analogue NovoRapid, with particular reference to its suitability for continued use in young children.

Andy Burnham: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has made no assessment of the post-marketing data on insulin analogue NovoRapid. The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory products Authority has the responsibility for the assessment of all post-marketing data.

Nursing

Justine Greening: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much her Department spent on  (a) advertising and  (b) other marketing activities in relation to careers in NHS nursing in each year since 2001-02; what the forecast expenditure is for 2006-07; and if she will make a statement.

Ivan Lewis: It is not possible to identify separately our publicity and advertising figures for national health service nursing because the Department has not run a separate nursing recruitment campaign since 1999. Since 2000, the NHS Careers campaign has promoted several career options at once, including medical careers and allied health professionals, as well as nursing.
	The table shows the Department's expenditure on publicity and advertising in relation to NHS Careers in each year since 2001-02.
	
		
			   million 
			  Financial years  Publicity  Advertising expenditure 
			 2001-02 3.85 5.00 
			 2002-03 2.57 4.23 
			 2003-04 1.82 4.90 
			 2004-05 3.38 5.84 
			 2005-06 3.31 0.24 
		
	
	We are still considering what marketing or advertising activity may be required for this year.

Nursing

Justine Greening: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions her Department has had with strategic health authorities regarding local nursing levels and recruitment requirements for nursing staff in the next 12 months; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: Nursing levels and recruitment requirements are matters for local determination.
	Projected levels of demand for and supply of nurses at a strategic health authority (SHA) level form part of their local delivery plan (LDP).
	The content of and performance against the LDP are issues discussed between SHA and the Department.

Nursing

Justine Greening: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of those enrolled on pre-registration nursing courses completed their course successfully in each year since 2001-02; how many of those had found a nursing position within six months of successful completion of their course; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is not collected centrally.
	The Higher Education Statistics Agency (www.hesa.ac.uk) has partial data for students completing training in 2003-04.
	The Nursing and Midwifery Council records the number of students who completed training in England and registered to practice. It does not record whether those nurses took up employment in the national health service.

Opiate-based Medicines

Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many opiate-based medicinal products are manufactured in the UK.

Andy Burnham: There are 16 different types of opiate-based medicinal products manufactured in the United Kingdom. The 16 different drug substances are licensed under approximately 264 individual marketing authorisations for various product strengths and formulations and to various marketing authorisation holders.

Orthodontic Services

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps her Department is taking  (a) to ensure adequate orthodontic services and  (b) to increase the number of orthodontists.

Rosie Winterton: On 1 April 2006, primary care trusts were given the responsibility for commissioning and developing primary care dental services, including orthodontic services, in their area to reflect the needs of the local population.
	At the same time, a new framework for orthodontic treatment was introduced. This is designed to ensure that assessment of need for orthodontic treatment is carried out more fairly and consistently in order to make the best use of available resources. The national health service invests around 150 million annually in primary care orthodontic services and it is important to ensure that these resources are used as effectively as possible to meet the needs of children and other orthodontic patients.

PFI Repayments

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost of private finance initiative repayments was for each health trust in each of the last five years was; and what that is as a percentage of the trust's annual income excluding land sales in each year.

Andy Burnham: Details of unitary payments for each private finance initiative scheme which has become operational and what percentage these payments are against trust's annual turnover over the last five years have been placed in the Library.
	Detailed information on land sales is not collected centrally.

Prescription Drug Costs

Stephen Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate her Department has made of the cost of prescription drugs that were returned unused and unopened in each of the last five years, broken down by primary care trust.

Andy Burnham: The annual cost of prescription drugs that are returned unused and unopened is not held centrally by the Department.
	It has been previously estimated that unused medicines returned to pharmacies are probably worth 100 million per year.
	The statistical bulletin General Pharmaceutical Services in England and Wales 1995-96 to 2004-05, which is available on the Information Centre for health and social care's website at www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/genphmsvcengwaldecade05, provides details of the weight of unwanted medicines collected and disposed of through community pharmacies, listed by primary care trust. Pharmacies do not separate out unused and unopened medicines from those that have been partially used.

Prostate Acid Phosphatase Test

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research she has evaluated on the accuracy of the prostate acid phosphatase test.

Andy Burnham: There has been no central or local national health service research activity concerned with the prostate acid phosphatase test. This test was largely superseded by the test for prostate specific antigen (PSA) some years ago.

Reconstituted Milk

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the health implications for infants drinking reconstituted milk made from milk powder and fluoridated water; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: Research evidence shows, that apart from the benefits to oral health, the only negative effect of adding fluoride to drinking water to a level of one part per million is on the incidence of dental fluorosis. In 2003, the independent expert advisory committee on toxicity of chemicals in food, consumer products and the environment (COT), issued a report Fluorine in the 1997 Total Diet Study, which noted that fluoride intakes of formula-fed infants may exceed the
	no observed adverse effect level
	for dental fluorosis. However, COT concluded that infants are at lesser risk of dental fluorosis than older children because the critical time for development of aesthetically significant dental fluorosis is during formation of the permanent teeth at age three to four. COT went on to recommend that more research is needed to determine the impact of the cosmetic effect of dental fluorosis on the affected individual and on any possible long-term health outcomes in people affected by dental fluorosis.
	The Department is committed to a research programme to strengthen the evidence base on the fluoridation of water and we will be considering how research on dental fluorosis can be incorporated into this programme.

Royal Surrey Hospital

Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if, following the further recommendation of the Epsom and St. Helier NHS Hospital Trust on the St. Helier site, if she will request that the trust revises its decision  (a) following a consultation with the residents of Mole Valley and Esher and Walton constituencies and  (b) taking into account the proposed removal of accident and emergency services at the Royal Surrey Hospital at Guildford.

Caroline Flint: The Department has received the response from the local national health service on St. Helier and is currently considering the situation. We are aware that Surrey and Sussex have commenced discussions with stakeholders on the Fit for the Future review. It would be inappropriate to comment further on this.

Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals Trust

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what levels of  (a) debt and  (b) deficit the Shrewsbury and Telford hospitals trust inherited from its predecessors at its inception; and whether these amounts were paid by her Department.

Rosie Winterton: Shropshire and Staffordshire strategic health authority reports that at the time that Shrewsbury and Telford hospital national health service trust was established in October 2003, the historical deficit of the Royal Shrewsbury hospital NHS trust and the Princess Royal hospital NHS trust was in the region of 4.1 million.
	When an NHS trust is newly established it may inherit the net assets and liabilities of any predecessor organisations; consequently it is required to manage the financial challenges that may arise from this.

Shropshire Ambulance Service

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the Shropshire Ambulance Service will be merged into a West Midlands Ambulance Service within 24 months; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: Shropshire Ambulance Service has been part of the current West Midlands Ambulance Service National Health Service Trust since April 2001. Three of the four ambulance trusts in the West Midlands region, West Midlands, Coventry and Warwickshire, and Hereford and Worcester, will form a single trust on 1 July 2006. Staffordshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust will remain separate, working in partnership with the new West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust, but will merge with it at a later date.

Skin Cancer

John Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to monitor the extent to which National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance on the use of photodynamic therapy for skin cancer patients is being followed.

Rosie Winterton: In February 2006 as part of its programme of work on interventional procedures, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) issued guidance on the use of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of non-melanoma skin tumours.
	The need for healthcare organisations to protect patients by following NICE interventional procedures guidance is a core standard as set out in National Standards, Local Actions. The Healthcare Commission has responsibility for determining whether core standards have been met.

Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost of recruiting staff for the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust has been; and what total pension liabilities resulted from setting up the trust.

Rosie Winterton: The County Durham and Tees Valley Strategic Health Authority reports that the trust has not recruited any staff as a specific result of the creation of the new organisation. The Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys National Health Service Trust has continued to recruit clinical staff to meet the needs of local people, but nothing more has been spent on this recruitment process than its two predecessor trusts would have spent recruiting to the same clinical posts.

Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many job reductions were made in the setting up of the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust in the local health economy; and what the cost of redundancy payments has been.

Rosie Winterton: The County Durham and Tees Valley Strategic Health Authority reports that currently only one chief executive has been made redundant. As a single trust board and executive team structure is implemented there will be further managerial redundancies. The final cost of these redundancies will be available in the final accounts for the trust.

Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what the total cost was of setting up the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust; what proportion of this total was accounted for by cost overruns; and if she will list the cost overruns involved;
	(2)  how much was spent providing new  (a) signs and  (b) stationery for Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust;
	(3)  what the total costs were of re-branding in setting up the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust.

Rosie Winterton: This information is not held centrally but can be obtained from the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys National Health Service Trust.

Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultations were undertaken with  (a) hon. Members,  (b) the public and  (c) local councillors about the naming of the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Trust.

Rosie Winterton: The County Durham and Tees Valleys Strategic Health Authority confirms that approximately 50 representatives of service users and carer groups across County Durham, the Tees Valleys and North East Yorkshire attended a consultation meeting at which the name of the new trust was discussed. The most popular option was to use the river theme.
	All staff in the trusts were also invited to vote on the options, with the majority in favour of Tees Valleys and North East Yorkshire National Health Service Trust.
	Local authority representatives, including County Durham council and Darlington borough council were members of the project board and were fully involved in the discussions about the name.

Trafford Surgical Centre

Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures of performance she collects for the Trafford Surgical Centre in Greater Manchester.

Rosie Winterton: Activity data are collected from independent sector treatment centre providers to assess contract utilisation. Data are also collected on the 26 key performance indicators shown in the following table. These monitor clinical quality, patient experience and productivity of services. Data collection takes place on a monthly basis.
	
		
			  Description of KPIs on ISTC Wave 1 Schemes 
			  KPI  Description 
			 KPI 1 Incidence of in-patient and/or day case activities not commenced because of DMAs as percentage of all activities 
			 KPI 2 Procedures cancelled by the provider for non-clinical reasons on or after day of admission. For the purposes of the performance threshold, it is measured as a percentage of all patients admitted to the facility. 
			 KPI 3 Procedures cancelled by provider for clinical reasons on or after day of admission. For the performance threshold, this is measured as a percentage of all patients admitted in the facility. 
			 KPI 4 Patient returning to operating theatre for procedure which was unforeseen at the time the patient's previous procedure was completed as a percentage of all patients admitted in the facility. 
			 KPI 5 In relation to each (HRG), the conversion rate i.e. the percentage of patients who go on to be given a patient appointment for a procedure following an out-patient assessment. 
			 KPI 6 In respect of (the)(each) facility, the rate of rejection by the provider in respect of patients referred within the referral protocol (schedule 3) as a percentage of all patients who are referred in the contracted month. 
			 KPI 7 For day cases, in-patient admission to the facility or to other providers' facilities (including NHS providers) which was unforeseen at the time of admission. For the purposes of the performance, threshold is measured as a percentage of all day cases in the facility. 
			 KPI 8 Transfers of any patient for treatment which was not in the management plan for that patient upon admission to the facility. For the purposes of the performance, threshold is a percentage of all in-patients in the facility by HRG. 
			 KPI 9 Emergency admissions/re-admissions of patients who have received in-patient treatment and have been discharged within 28 days of such discharge where such admission or re-admission is related to or arising from the relevant in-patient treatment, for the purposes of the performance threshold measured by HRG as a percentage of all patients discharged. 
			 KPI 10 Average length of stay in hours and minutes for day cases by HRG, measured from the time of admission to the time of discharge. 
			 KPI 11 Average length of stay by HRG measured in in-patient whole days measured from the time of admission to the time of discharge. 
			 KPI 12 Average procedure time, collected in minutes, by HRG, and specifying surgery where local anaesthetic surgery is used and where general anaesthetic surgery is used, broken down by: induction time on operating table recovery measured from ( ) to ( ) 
			 KPI 13 Patient receives or is listed or recommended for a further procedure to put right any aspect of the original activity less than five years from the date of discharge. For the purposes of performance threshold, measured as a percentage of all procedures carried out at the facility. 
			 KPI 14 Numbers of procedures carried out under local anaesthetic and general anaesthetic by HRG as a percentage of all procedures. 
			 KPI 15 Clinical outcomes specified by procedure, by reference to the Patient Care Pathways. 
			 KPI 16 Timeliness, completeness and accuracy of provider performance data provided to the joint service review and/or to sponsor, recorded as the number of complaints in any reporting period. 
			 KPI 17 Timeliness, completeness and accuracy of provider clinician reporting to referring health body's clinician recorded as the number of complaints in any reporting month. 
			 KPI 18 Patient/customer satisfaction (by survey) based on a survey of 10 per cent. of all patients at each facility in each (contract month) 
			 KPI 19 Rate of patient complaints i.e. number of complaints received as a percentage of all patients referred for: (i) out-patient treatment (ii) day case treatment (iii) in-patient treatment 
			 KPI 20 Patient complaints handling: complaints not handled within relevant time scales set out in the contract. 
			 KPI 21 Incidents which are reportable to the NPSA, or other statutory body. 
			 KPI 22 Additionally: NHS staff recruited in breach of Clause 9 of the agreement. 
			 KPI 23 Condition of facility, measured by inspection by a sponsor and/or the provider and assessed against the requirements of the facility manual and operational procedures. 
			 KPI 24 Breach of security related to the services where there is an identifiable risk of harm, loss or damage to people or property. 
			 KPI 25 Breach by the provider of confidentiality and/or data protection requirements in the agreement. 
			 KPI 26 Failure to meet treat-by date.

Trafford Surgical Centre

Tony Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many operations were completed at the Trafford Surgical Centre in Greater Manchester in 2005, broken down by type of operation.

Rosie Winterton: The Greater Manchester Surgical Centre opened in July 2005 and had provided 4,704 procedures at the end of March 2006. A breakdown by specialty is shown in the table.
	
		
			   Number 
			 Orthopaedics 2,128 
			 General surgery 1,010 
			 Dermatology 662 
			 Ear, Nose and Throat 605 
			 Urology/Gynaecology 274 
			 Plastic surgery 25

Tuberculosis

Eric Martlew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many incidences of tuberculosis were identified in each primary care trust in North Cumbria in each of the last five years.

Rosie Winterton: The information requested is shown in the table.
	
		
			  Primary care trust  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005( 1)  Total 
			 Allerdale 2  3 7 3 15 
			 Carlisle 3 4 5 6 8 26 
			 Copeland 5 2 3 1 5 16 
			 Eden 1 1 3 3 1 9 
			 Total 11 7 14 17 17 66 
			 (1) Provisional data for 2005.   Note: The NOIDS data provided are derived from tuberculosis cases reported within North Cumbria local authorities from 2001 to 2004. PCT boundaries are not exactly coterminous with local authority boundaries but collectively the Carlisle and District, Eden Valley and West Cumbria PCTs (Allerdale and Copeland) comprise North Cumbria.   Source:  Statutory Notifications of Infectious Diseases (NOIDS), Health Protection Agency. Data as at 5 May 2006.

Ultra-orphan Drug Treatments

Steve Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what her policy is on the funding of ultra-orphan drug treatments; and if she will make a statement.

Andy Burnham: Ultra-orphan drug treatment for a specific set of diseases, Lysosomal Storage Disorders, has been nationally commissioned by the National Specialist Commissioning Advisory Group (NSCAG) since April 2005, for an initial two-year period until March 2007. The 2006-07 budget for this service is 58 million. NSCAG is part of the Department and currently commissions services for 33 very rare conditions on a national basis.
	Funding arrangements for other ultra-orphan drugs are a matter for individual primary care trusts.

Waiting Times

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer to question 70933, on waiting times, how many in-patient breaches of target would be necessary for the Government to conclude that their operating standard of six months for in-patient admissions was not being achieved.

Andy Burnham: No explicit level has been set.
	The national health service currently admits around 470,000 patients per month. At the end of March 2006, 199 people had been waiting for longer than six months, that is one patient waiting at that point for every 2,350 patients admitted during the month and the Government therefore consider that the operating standard is being met.

Waiting Times

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer to question 70990, on waiting times, which NHS organisations risks of breaches of the six-month waiting time for inpatient admissions are an issue; how many are being closely supported by her Department in consequence; and what support each is receiving.

Andy Burnham: There have been very few breaches of the six-month in-patient waiting times standard since it came into effect on 31 December 2005.
	Our assessment is that the overall risk of breaches remains low. Administrative errors have been the cause of breaches for the majority of organisations which have reported them and we expect such errors to be swiftly rectified by the local national health service.
	As a consequence, the Department continues to discuss performance with all strategic health authorities (SHAs) on a regular basis and expects SHAs to support the local NHS to deliver the six-month inpatient standard. The Department is not providing direct support to any NHS trust at present.

Walsall Primary Care Trust

Richard Shepherd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent by Walsall Primary Care Trust on capital projects in the Aldridge-Brownhills constituency in each of the last five years.

Rosie Winterton: The information is not available centrally in the format requested.
	Capital allocations to Walsall Teaching Primary Care Trust are shown in Table 1.
	
		
			  Table 1 
			   Operational total (000) 
			 2002-03 568 
			 2003-04 647 
			 2004-05 723 
			 2005-06 812 
			 2006-07 893 
		
	
	In addition, Birmingham and The Black Country Strategic Health Authority (SHA) has received strategic capital allocations, which are shown in Table 2.
	
		
			  Table 2 
			   Strategic total (000) 
			 2003-04 45,762 
			 2004-05 43,068 
			 2005-06 46,532 
			 2006-07 42,908 
		
	
	Birmingham and The Black Country SHA has also been allocated a share of the 100 million per year capital access fund, shown in Table 3.
	
		
			  Table 3 
			   Access fund allocation (000) 
			 2003-04 5,550 
			 2004-05 5,550 
			 2005-06 5,550

Water Fluoridation

David Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance has been issued to strategic health authorities and primary care trusts on consultation arrangements for the proposed water fluoridation.

Rosie Winterton: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him on 18 April 2006,  Official Report, column 124W.

Water Fluoridation

David Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what assessment she has made of the independence of the National Fluoride Information Centre; and how the centre is funded;
	(2)  what research has been carried out by the National Fluoride Information Centre on the amount of fluoride people in the North West are consuming;
	(3)  what research has been undertaken by the National Fluoride Information Centre on all aspects of fluoride use since it was set up;
	(4)  what the cost to the NHS was of setting up the National Fluoride Information Centre.

Rosie Winterton: The National Fluoride Information Centre (NFIC) is an academically independent research unit based at Manchester University. It provides objective information on all aspects of fluorides and fluoridation derived from scientific literature and reviewed by independent scientific experts. The Department has committed funding of 125,000 per annum for the three years from 2004-05 to 2006-07.
	The NFIC is currently carrying out research into the temporal effects of water fluoridation on dental fluorosis, the effect water fluoridation has on the dental health of adults, the use of new tools to diagnose dental caries which may enable randomised control trials to be undertaken on the effects of water fluoridation and the monitoring of oral health in Europe to compare dental caries levels with those in England.

Young Offenders (Mental Health)

Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people are receiving treatment for mental health conditions in young offenders institutions; and how many are receiving psychological therapies.

Rosie Winterton: This information is not held centrally. All offenders aged 18 to 21 receive screening on reception into custody to assess their health needs, and this includes mental health. All young offenders institutions have mental health in-reach teams. Comprehensive mental health needs assessments are made to identify the needs of individuals, and subsequent provision may include psychological therapies.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Abortions

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many women in Northern Ireland chose to abort their foetus due to being informed that the baby, if born, might suffer from  (a) cerebral palsy,  (b) Down's syndrome and  (c) any other mental/physical condition in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Goggins: Abortion can be undertaken in Northern Ireland only where it is necessary to save the life of the mother or where the continuance of the pregnancy is likely to have serious and long-term effects on her mental or physical health.
	The following table provides figures for the number of medical abortions recorded in Northern Ireland hospitals for each year from 2002 to 2004 (the latest year available).
	
		
			   Number 
			 2002 76 
			 2003 73 
			 2004 59

Air Miles

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many air miles have been accrued by senior civil servants on official business in  (a) each Department in Northern Ireland and  (b) his Department in each of the last three years; and how they were used.

David Hanson: The information requested on the number of air miles accrued by senior civil servants on official business during the last three years, and how these were used, is not held and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Civil servants accruing air miles when travelling on Government business are not permitted to use them for private purposes.

Alcohol in Pregnancy

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the prevalence of  (a) foetal alcohol syndrome and  (b) other complications resulting from alcohol consumption during pregnancy in the Province.

Paul Goggins: The data cannot be provided in the manner requested. It is not possible to make an assessment of the prevalence of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) or other alcohol-related pregnancy complications in Northern Ireland as there is no database or registry of people in Northern Ireland with FAS or other possible related complications.

Allergy Services

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what allergy services are provided in Northern Ireland.

Paul Goggins: There are many different types of allergic conditions affecting both adults and children. These may be simple or complex, acute or chronic. The range of services available to diagnose and treat these conditions therefore is equally varied. The main elements are summarised in the table.
	
		
			   Allergy Service 
			  EHSSB  
			  Royal Group of  Hospitals Two consultant immunologists provide two out-patient allergy clinics at the Royalone in the Royal Belfast hospital for Sick Children and one in the Royal Victoria hospital. 
			  Belfast City Hospital Allergy testing is used within the dermatology, ENT and respiratory departments. 
			  Ulster Hospital Provides the first dedicated asthma and allergy service in Northern Ireland. It is consultant-led with two specialist nurses and a dietician. The dermatology department also provides an allergy service. 
			  Regional Immunology  Laboratory Service Based at the Royal, this provides a comprehensive diagnostic service. 
			   
			  SHSSB  
			  Daisy Hill Hospital A skin patching (diagnostic) clinic is held weekly as part of the dermatology out-patient clinic. 
			   
			  NHSSB  
			  Antrim Area Hospital Offers allergy testing in dermatology and ENT for adults. Within paediatrics, children attend as day cases for allergy testing, mainly for egg and peanut allergies. 
			   
			  WHSSB  
			  Sperrin Lakeland HSS  Trust A visiting dermatologist holds an allergy clinic once a week. 
			  Altnagelvin Hospitals  HSS Trust There is no dedicated allergy service, but patients are seen as part of the dermatology and dietician service. More complex problems are referred to the Royal. 
			   
			  GP/Pharmacy The majority of services for allergic conditions are delivered by GP's and pharmacy community pharmacists.

Alternative Offers of Treatment

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many patients within each health trust in the Province have  (a) received,  (b) accepted and  (c) declined alternative offers of treatment since the introduction of this scheme.

Paul Goggins: As part of the drive to reduce hospital waiting times, an alternative offer scheme has been introduced to guarantee patients an offer of treatment within agreed timeframes. The Northern Ireland Patient Offer Centre was established to facilitate this scheme.
	The number of patients who have been offered transfers under the alternative offer scheme are set out in the following table.
	
		
			  Trust  (a) Offers received  (b) Offers accepted  (c) Offers declined 
			 Altnagelvin Group  HSS Trust 24 23 1 
			 Green Park Healthcare HSS Trust 43 30 13 
			 Royal Group of  Hospitals HSS Trust 32 21 11 
			 Total 99 74 25 
			  Source:  Northern Ireland Patient Offer Centre

ARCH Centre

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether there are plans to introduce an Assault, Rape, Counselling, Health (ARCH) Centre in North Ireland.

Paul Goggins: A sexual violence strategy is currently being developed for Northern Ireland. In developing the strategy the option of establishing a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for Northern Ireland is being explored.

Asbestosis

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people have been diagnosed with asbestosis in Northern Ireland in each of the last 10 years; and how many have died of the disease in the same period in each health board.

Paul Goggins: The number of people diagnosed with asbestosis in Northern Ireland is not available.
	Information is available on the number of those asbestosis sufferers admitted as inpatients to hospitals in Northern Ireland.
	The following table details the number of admissions(1) to hospital with a primary or secondary diagnosis of asbestosis, for each year between 1995 and 2004 (the latest calendar year for which data are available). It should be noted that any individual could have been admitted to hospital more than once over the course of a year or over a number of years and would therefore be counted more than once in the table.
	
		
			   Eastern HSSB  Northern HSSB  Southern HSSB  Western HSSB  Not available( 2) 
			 1995 58 47 5 5 5 
			 1996 73 42 8 5 5 
			 1997 92 29 5 5 5 
			 1998 105 44 5 5 5 
			 1999 103 53 10 5 5 
			 2000 120 52 8 5 5 
			 2001 137 54 11 5 5 
			 2002 151 71 8 5 5 
			 2003 147 68 11 7 5 
			 2004 183 66 24 6 5 
			 (1) Discharges and deaths are used as an approximation to admissions. (2) Not available refers to postcodes outside Northern Ireland or to postcodes with incorrect or missing grid references and Royal Mail PO Boxes.   Note:  Cell sizes that have a value of less than 5 have been masked in order to help protect confidentiality   Source:  Hospital Inpatients System DHSSPS 
		
	
	The following table gives the number of deaths registered in Northern Ireland in each year between 1995 and 2004, where the underlying cause of death was recorded as 'asbestosis'(1) by health and social service board.
	
		
			  Year of registration  Eastern HSSB  Northern HSSB  Southern HSSB  Western HSSB  Northern Ireland 
			 1995 4 1 0 0 5 
			 1996 4 0 0 0 4 
			 1997 0 0 0 0 0 
			 1998 5 1 0 0 6 
			 1999 3 0 0 1 4 
			 2000 4 1 1 0 6 
			 2001 6 3 0 0 9 
			 2002 11 1 0 0 12 
			 2003 8 1 0 0 9 
			 2004 10 0 3 1 14 
			 (1) International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes J61 and J92.0 for years 2001-04 and Ninth Revision code 501 for years 1995-2000.

Assembly Elections

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the Northern Ireland Assembly elections scheduled to be held in May 2008 will be based on constituencies as defined in the forthcoming Boundary Commission report.

David Hanson: The Northern Ireland Act 2006 provides for the postponement of the May 2007 elections to May 2008 if an Executive is formed before 25 November 2006.
	The Boundary Commission announced their Revised Recommendations on 18 May 2006. They must consider all representations on the Revised Recommendations received within one month of their publication. Further to this, they will submit their Final Recommendations to the Secretary of State who must then lay these (with or without modifications) before Parliament for approval.
	The Commission must submit their Final Report to the Secretary of State by June 2007.
	I await the final report.

Attacks on NHS Premises/Staff

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many attacks on  (a) staff,  (b) patients and  (c) visitors have occurred on NHS premises in each health trust in the Province in each of the last five years; and how many people have been charged as a result.

Paul Goggins: The information requested is not held centrally by the Department before 2004 and will take some time to collate from the Health and Personal Social Services. I will write to the hon. Member with the information as soon as it is available and place a copy in the Library.

Attacks on NHS Premises/Staff

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the costs to the NHS in the Province over the last five years resulting from attacks on staff.

Paul Goggins: It is not possible to estimate the costs to the Health and Personal Social Services in Northern Ireland as a result of attacks on staff as this information is not held by employers.

Attacks on NHS Premises/Staff

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many NHS staff have required counselling in the last 12 months following work-related attacks.

Paul Goggins: Counselling is available to all staff in the Health and Personal Social Services either through the Occupational Health Service or via a confidential helpline. However, by its very nature it is a confidential service and therefore it is not possible to state how many staff have required counselling in the last 12 months as a result of work-related attacks.

Attacks on NHS Premises/Staff

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what guidelines are in place for NHS staff accompanying and dealing with patients or relatives who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Paul Goggins: There is no central guidance. There is however, a duty of care on Health and Personal Social Services employers to ensure staff are safe at all times while in their place of employment and trusts may have individual policies and procedures on how to deal with patients and relatives who present for treatment while under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Attacks on NHS Premises/Staff

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many racist attacks on hospital staff occurred in the Province in each of the last five years.

Paul Goggins: Racist attacks on hospital staff are not currently recorded as a specific statistic. They are however subsumed within the Department's monitoring of violent attacks on health and personal social services staff figures as both verbal and physical abuse. The Department is actively addressing the issue of racist attacks and has commissioned research which is being carried out by the Institute for Conflict Research.

Avian Influenza

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made with contingency plans in Northern Ireland involving a cull of birds in the event of a pandemic of avian influenza; and what assessment he has made of the speed with which a vaccine could be produced in large enough quantities once a particular strain of avian influenza has been identified.

David Cairns: The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has a contingency plan in place to ensure that any outbreak of Avian Influenza is dealt with quickly and effectively. If there is an outbreak in domestic poultry, infected birds and dangerous contacts will be culled. As part of the ongoing testing of the plan, culling has been tested on two separate occasions with a further exercise planned over the summer. Vaccination offers potential benefits in disease control but preventive vaccination of poultry is not the most effective defence. At UK-level, a plan is in place for a possible vaccination programme for zoo birds for conservation purposes, based on veterinary risk assessment, and 2.3 million doses of vaccine have been obtained for this purpose. DARD's policy on the wider use of vaccination will be kept under review in the light of scientific developments in vaccines.

Ballyhalbent-Portavogie Road

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to improve the coastal road between Ballyhalbent and Portavogie; and if he will make a statement.

David Cairns: The chief executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Lady in response to this question.
	 Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbin, dated 31 May 2006:
	You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question regarding what plans he has to improve the coastal road between Ballyhalbert and Portavogie; and if he will make a statement.
	As this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.
	As you will be aware, the coastal road between Ballyhalbert and Portavogie which forms part of the A2 runs along the east coast of the Ards Peninsula to Portaferry for a distance of approximately 35Km. The road is inspected regularly in accordance with Roads Service's policy governing the inspection and repair of roads and is considered to be in a generally good condition.
	You may also be aware that 6 years ago the portion to which you refer was resurfaced and had new drainage installed. Accordingly, I can advise you that there are no proposals at present to carry out any improvement works on this portion of road.

Bed Occupancy

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the percentage bed occupancy rate was in each hospital in the Province in each quarter of the last 12 months.

Paul Goggins: Percentage bed occupancy rates for all hospitals in Northern Ireland for all quarters in 2005 are shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Percentage bed occupancy rates by hospital by quarter in 2005 
			   Percentage bed occupancy 2005 
			  Hospital  31 March  30 June  30 September  31 December 
			  Altnagelvin area Trust 
			 Altnagelvin Hospital 83.6 80.0 81.6 81.1 
			 Waterside (ward 5) 75.4 75.2 78.3 82.7 
			  
			  Armagh and Dungannon Trust 
			 Longstone 85.2 86.4 93.4 93.1 
			 Mullinure 81.1 70.9 73.5 77.6 
			 Oaklands 62.9 64.3 64.5 60.1 
			 St. Lukes 77.4 74.3 76.2 75.2 
			  
			  Belfast City Trust 
			 Belfast City Hospital 89.1 88.1 83.7 86.0 
			 Belvoir Park NICCO 86.3 83.7 87.2 87.6 
			 Windsor 98.7 90.9 92.5 99.1 
			  
			  Causeway Trust 
			 Causeway Hospital 82.1 81.4 84.2 83.6 
			 Dalriada 72.2 83.6 86.6 80.9 
			 Robinson Memorial 73.9 85.9 88.4 79.0 
			  
			  Craigavon and Banbridge Trust 
			 Craigavon Area PNU 90.8 85.1 89.8 90.0 
			  
			  Craigavon Group Trust 
			 Craigavon Area 82.1 80.8 78.6 76.7 
			 Lurgan 90.3 88.0 82.5 88.6 
			 South Tyrone 88.9 89.3 94.1 82.8 
			  
			  Down Lisburn Trust 
			 Downe 87.8 85.5 83.3 87.8 
			 Downshire(1) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 
			 Lagan Valley 82.7 82.2 80.7 78.5 
			 Lagan Valley PNU(1) 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 
			 Thompson House 92.1 97.1 97.6 96.9 
			  
			  Foyle Trust 
			 Gransha 90.4 87.1 83.7 86.0 
			 Roe Valley(1) 90.1 89.2 88.0 100.0 
			 Stradreagh 89.6 87.0 83.9 72.7 
			 Waterside (ward 1-4) 90.9 100 99.5 99.8 
			  
			  Green Park Trust 
			 Belvoir Park NI Fever 70.1 72.6 74.1 69.7 
			 Forster Green 60.2 62.9 62.1 61.7 
			 Musgrave Park 80.6 75.0 71.7 77.4 
			  
			  Homefirst Trust 
			 Holywell 95.1 93.9 95.7 92.5 
			 Whiteabbey PNU(1) 99.0 97.2 100.0 100.0 
			  
			  Mater Infirmorum Trust 
			 Mater Infirmorum 89.0 85.4 84.3 86.2 
			  
			  Newry and Mourne Trust 
			 Daisy Hill 77.1 75.0 71.2 70.9 
			  
			  North and West Belfast Trust 
			 Muckamore Abbey 93.0 92.1 89.8 89.1 
			  
			  Royal Group Trust 
			 RBHSC 75.6 77.6 65.8 74.2 
			 Royal Maternity 69.8 68.7 67.0 67.6 
			 Royal Victoria 88.8 89.2 85.1 87.5 
			  
			  South and East Belfast Trust 
			 Knockbracken Healthcare Park 87.2 79.9 82.6 84.5 
			 Shaftesbury Square 8.7 16.2 10.1 18.0 
			 Young Peoples Centre(2) 42.2 62.3 0 0 
			  
			  Sperrin Lakeland Trust 
			 Erne 69.4 71.2 66.8 67.9 
			 Tyrone and Fermanagh 85.8 88.4 91.5 83.9 
			 Tyrone County 83.3 82.3 80.1 76.9 
			  
			  UCHT 
			 Ards 94.0 94.3 92.4 92.6 
			 Bangor 90.2 89.0 91.0 90.0 
			 Ulster 88.9 87.8 86.4 86.6 
			  
			  United Trust 
			 Antrim 78.7 76.4 74.5 77.1 
			 Braid Valley 96.5 96.6 90.7 90.6 
			 Mid Ulster 76.6 67.9 69.6 72.0 
			 Moyle 93.1 84.8 91.4 87.6 
			 Whiteabbey 97.2 92.9 86.1 87.5 
			  
			 Northern Ireland 85.4 83.7 82.4 82.9 
			 (1 )Due to inconsistencies in data supplied, percentage occupancy in some or all of the quarters in 2005 for Downshire, Lagan Valley PNU, Roe Valley and Whiteabbey PNU have been set to 100 per cent.  (2 )No inpatients admitted to young peoples centre after 31 May 2005 due to Copeland fire which destroyed the inpatient unit.   Notes:  1. Data are provisional and may be subject to change.  2. Day case admissions are excluded from the calculation for bed occupancy.   Source:  Departmental Information Return KH03A

Belfast City Hospital

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the car park at the Belfast City Hospital Site is expected to be finished, with particular reference to provision at the new cancer centre.

Paul Goggins: The new multi storey car park at Belfast City Hospital is currently on programme for phased completion as follows:
	
		
			   Date  Spaces 
			 Phase I 31 August 2006 330 
			 Phase II 31 October 2006 330 
			 Phase III 22 December 2006 480 
		
	
	This will accommodate the additional requirement arising from the opening of the cancer centre and the transfer of services from Belvoir Park Hospital, as well as making provision to support future development on the BCH site eg the proposed surgical unit.
	The area that was used as the contractor's compound during the construction of the cancer centre has been reinstated as a dedicated car park for radiotherapy patients visiting the building as an interim solution until the new facility is available.

Bereavement Support

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what training is available to staff in hospitals when dealing with a bereavement; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Goggins: All trusts make provision for training on bereavement care for staff to deal with families and friends following bereavement.
	The Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety established a Regional Bereavement Network in March 2006. The introduction of this network will ensure that bereavement services for people across Northern Ireland are further improved. It will also improve training for staff in bereavement care and ensure that good policies and practices are in place.

Bills

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the occasions when an amendment has been moved by  (a) a Labour backbencher,  (b) an Opposition backbencher and  (c) an Opposition front bench spokesman to a Bill sponsored by his Department which has been accepted by his Department during the 2005-06 Session; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Hain: My Department has sponsored the following four Bills during the current session: the Terrorism (Northern Ireland) Bill (enacted on 16 February 2006); the Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill (withdrawn on 11 January 2006); the Northern Ireland Bill (enacted on 8 May 2006) and the Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill (currently before the House of Lords).
	Information on amendments moved and accepted during the Committee and Report Stages on these Bills is published in the  Official Report.

Biodiversity

Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 
	(1)  which Minister in his Department is responsible for monitoring his Department's compliance with its duty under section 74 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to have regard to the purpose of conserving biological diversity in carrying out its functions; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what steps his Department plans to take to monitor the extent to which public bodies which report to him comply, from October, with their duty to conserve biodiversity in exercising their functions, under section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.

David Cairns: The duties contained within the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (or the extended duties contained within Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006) relating to the conservation of biological diversity, do not apply to Northern Ireland.
	Northern Ireland is, however, currently considering introducing a statutory duty upon Government Departments and public bodies in the proposed review of the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985. This is intended to be similar to the statutory duty in Great Britain. In the meantime, progress against delivery of the 76 recommendations contained in the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy (adopted in 2002) continues to be monitored closely by the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Group, which independently provides me, as Minister responsible for the environment, with three yearly reports on progress.

Board Area Populations

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the total population is of each education and library board area in Northern Ireland.

David Hanson: The following table gives the official estimate of the population, at 30 June 2004, by education and library board in Northern Ireland.
	
		
			  Education and library board  Population 
			 Belfast 269,000 
			 North Eastern 402,300 
			 South Eastern 395,100 
			 Southern 355,100 
			 Western 288,900 
			 Northern Ireland 1,710,300 
			  Note:  Data may not add up due to rounding.

Bought-in Procedures

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many procedures each health board in the Province has bought from  (a) within and  (b) outside the Province over the last 12 months; and what the costs were.

Paul Goggins: 707 complaints were made during 2005-06.

Breast Cancer

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many health board trusts in Northern Ireland have introduced computer systems for rapid diagnosis of breast cancer.

Paul Goggins: No health service trust in Northern Ireland has introduced computer systems for rapid diagnosis of breast cancer. The National Breast Cancer System is used to capture and report the results of mammograms carried out throughout the screening programme. It is identical to the system used in the rest of the UK and has been operational in Northern Ireland for some years. All mammograms are read by fully trained radiologists.

Budget Allocation

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the allocation of the extra 26 million allocated to Northern Ireland in the 2006 Budget.

David Hanson: The 26 million resource allocated to Northern Ireland over the next two years from the Chancellor's 2006 Budget will be invested into the Children and Young People's Funding Package, with most going directly to schools across Northern Ireland. The package is intended to reduce underachievement and improve the life chances of children and young people by enhancing their educational development and fostering their health, well being and social inclusion.

Bullying at Work

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of how many  (a) men and  (b) women have been bullied at work in Northern Ireland in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

Maria Eagle: Bullying is not a jurisdiction recognised in law by which a claim can be made to an industrial tribunal or the Fair Employment Tribunal. Therefore government has no means of recording numbers of men or women who have been bullied in the workplace. However, the Labour Relations Agency in 2004-05 received some 43,000 specific employment enquiries of which some 9,000 related specifically to bullying. Around 60 per cent. of those individuals who contacted the Labour Relations Agency enquiry point were female. The breakdowns of statistics in terms of employer or employee were 39 per cent. employer and 61 per cent. employee.

Buses

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was spent  (a) per head of population and  (b) per passenger on bus services (i) including and (ii) excluding funding for concessionary travel in Northern Ireland in each of the last 10 years.

David Cairns: The Department for Regional Development made the following payments to bus companies in Northern Ireland over the specified 10 year period (figures include capital grant).
	
		
			  Cash payments per head of population 
			   
			   Including concessionary travel  Excluding concessionary travel 
			 1995-96 9.59 4.80 
			 1996-97 9.02 4.33 
			 1997-98 8.69 3.26 
			 1998-99 9.59 4.56 
			 1999-2000 11.38 6.38 
			 2000-01 12.74 7.12 
			 2001-02 13.95 6.98 
			 2002-03 17.79 10.45 
			 2003-04 18.49 10.31 
			 2004-05 21.06 12.28 
		
	
	
		
			  Cash payments per passenger 
			   
			   Including concessionary travel  Excluding concessionary travel 
			 1995-96 0.20 0.10 
			 1996-97 0.19 0.09 
			 1997-98 0.19 0.07 
			 1998-99 0.23 0.11 
			 1999-2000 0.28 0.15 
			 2000-01 0.32 0.18 
			 2001-02 0.36 0.18 
			 2002-03 0.46 0.27 
			 2003-04 0.48 0.27 
			 2004-05 0.55 0.32

Cancer Screening

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will assess the merits of introducing bowel cancer screening in the Province.

Paul Goggins: The UK National Screening Committee (NSC) has considered the case for bowel screening and recommended that a population programme should be introduced. As a consequence, England and Scotland have announced their intention to introduce a bowel cancer screening programme.
	I would wish to see such a programme introduced in Northern Ireland. However, this will have a significant effect on current services for those showing possible symptoms of bowel cancer. Before a similar programme could be implemented in Northern Ireland there is a need to consider the current capacity and pressure on the symptomatic bowel service and to identify other issues which need to be addressed, including additional capacity required, training and accreditation of colonoscoptists and units.
	A workshop has therefore been arranged for 20 June 2006 to explore the issues and identify the steps and actions required in the symptomatic service in order to prepare for a bowel screening programme.

Carers (Health Checks)

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will introduce health checks for carers within 12 months of their taking on that role.

Paul Goggins: Carers already have a legal entitlement to an assessment of their care needs which is aimed at supporting them in their caring role and helping them to maintain their own health and well being.
	Carers with specific health problems may contact their general practitioners, who will make a clinical assessment of need, which may include a comprehensive health check.

Cathedral Quarter

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much has been allocated for the promotion of the arts in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast in each year since 1997.

Maria Eagle: Funding allocated for the promotion of the arts in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast since 1997 is shown on the following table:
	
		
			  Funding for the promotion of the arts in the cathedral quarter since 1997 
			   
			   1997-98  1998-99  1999-2000  2000-01  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06 
			 DCAL  
			 Arts Council(1) 0 119,737 74,000 216,000 677,736 869,295 949,930 1,069,090 (2)1,673,378 
			   
			 DSD  
			 Laganside 1,900 55,413 1,399,083 175,983 588,883 313,983 443,669 70,078 72,900 
			   
			 Peace 2.11  
			 ERDF (75 per cent.)   1,192,886 211,399 29,070 
			   
			 DSD  
			 Match Funding (25 per cent.)   397,629 70,466 9,690 
			 (1) Amounts include lottery funding as well as exchequer funding. (2) Amount includes 160,000 for the three year period 2005-08 allocated from the Multi-Annual Programme fund.

Child Sexual Abuse

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will carry out a review of provision of therapy services for victims of child sexual abuse in Northern Ireland; and if he will allocate additional resources to ensure that all victims are provided with services and support.

Paul Goggins: A sexual violence strategy is currently being developed for Northern Ireland. In developing the strategy the need for an assessment of existing medical, counselling and social support services is being explored.

Child Support Agency

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to his letter of 19 October 2005 (COR/443/2005) on the Child Support Agency, when the chief executive of the Child Support Agency will be in a position to reply to the hon. Member for North Down.

David Hanson: The chief executive of the Child Support Agency replied to the hon. Lady on 21 October 2005.

Childhood Leukaemia

Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what response his Department plans to make to the findings of the Health Protection Agency in relation to the effects on childhood leukaemia rates of living near electricity lines and pylons.

Paul Goggins: The Stakeholder Advisory Group on extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (SAGE) was set up in response to the Health Protection Agency (HPA) advice and is sponsored by the Department of Health with funding contributions from the charity 'Children with Leukaemia' and National Grid plc. SAGE has brought together stakeholders
	to identify and explore the implications for a precautionary approach to ELF EMF and make practical recommendations for precautionary measures.
	Stakeholders include representatives from UK Government Departments, industry, independent academics, regulators, public concern groups and associated professional groups. Government will be pleased to receive the SAGE report and will give it full consideration when it is completed in due course.

Childhood Obesity

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he plans to encourage the wider use of calorie-free sweeteners as part of his strategy to reduce childhood obesity in the Province.

Paul Goggins: The report of the Fit Futures taskforce on tackling obesity in children and young people was published in March of this year. The report included over 70 recommendations designed to deliver the public service agreement target to stop the increase in levels of obesity in children by 2010.
	The wider use of calorie-free sweeteners was not advocated by the Fit Futures taskforce and does not form part of plans to reduce childhood obesity. Foods containing sweeteners are acidic and can contribute to dental erosion when sipped over long periods of time. They may also serve to encourage or maintain a preference for sweet foods. Children, especially young children, could be at risk of taking in more than the acceptable daily intake of sweeteners.

Childhood Obesity

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the percentage of children in Northern Ireland who are  (a) overweight and  (b) obese.

Paul Goggins: Information relating to percentages of children who are  (a) overweight and  (b) obese is not currently available for all children in Northern Ireland. However such information is available for all Primary 1 pupils from the Northern Ireland Child Health Systems. Table 1 below shows the percentage of Primary 1 pupils in Northern Ireland, 2003-04, who were overweight or obese.
	
		
			  Table 1: Northern Ireland: 2003-04 
			  Percentage 
			  P1 Children  Overweight  Obese 
			 Male 14.3 4.6 
			 Female 19.8 6.9 
			 NI 17.0 5.7 
			  Source:  Child Health System (NI) 2003-04.

Childhood Obesity

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what targets he has set to reduce childhood obesity in Northern Ireland.

Paul Goggins: Priorities and Budget 2006-08 contains a public service agreement target to stop the increase in levels of obesity in children by 2010. The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, the Department of Education and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure share responsibility for the achievement of this target.

Childhood Obesity

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent progress has been made towards reducing childhood obesity in Northern Ireland.

Paul Goggins: The report of the Fit Futures taskforce on tackling obesity in children and young people was published in March of this year. The report included over 70 recommendations designed to deliver the public service agreement target to stop the increase in levels of obesity in children by 2010. A response from the Ministerial Group on Public Health to the report, including a comprehensive, cross-departmental implementation plan is currently being developed.
	Action to address key recommendations has, however, already commenced. The Department of Education, in conjunction with the -Education and Library Boards, began the implementation of New Nutritional Standards for School Meals in September 2005. Over 800 schools are now participating in this initiative and the remainder will be included by the end of 2006. Under the Extended Schools element of the Children and Young People funding package, 10 million is available each year in the period 2006-08 for allocation to schools in disadvantaged areas. The focus of Extended Schools will include healthy lifestyles and tackling childhood obesity.
	As part of the Sport in Our Community Programme, the Sports Council for Northern Ireland is making a major investment to encourage more children to develop the basic physical movement skills required to facilitate sustained involvement in sport and a healthy and active lifestyle. In addition, the Health Promotion Agency has launched Every Step is a Forward Step, to promote the health benefits of physical activity and to encourage members of the public to undertake regular, moderate physical activity.

Childhood Obesity

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the volume of soft drinks which was consumed per day on average by  (a) adults and  (b) children in Northern Ireland in the last 12 months.

Paul Goggins: Figures provided the Northern Ireland Food and Drinks Association (NIFDA) indicate that the average person in Northern Ireland drinks 122 litres of carbonated soft drinks per year, 13 litres more than people in the Republic of Ireland and 17 litres more than people in the UK as a whole.
	No specific data is available regarding the volume of soft drinks consumed by children. However, information from the 2005 Child Wellbeing Survey indicates that 38.4 per cent. of children aged 8 to 11 years consume soft drinks at least once per day.
	Nationally, the most recent information available on consumption of soft drinks by children dates back to the 1997 National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) of young people aged 4 to 18 years. This survey, carried out in England, Wales and Scotland, showed that average consumption of soft drinks by the 4 to 18-year age group in Britain in 1997 was 441g/day. Just over half of this (264g/day) comprised standard (i.e. other than low calorie) varieties.

Childhood Obesity

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions he has had with the Food Standards Agency regarding the implications of calorific content of soft drinks on childhood obesity.

Paul Goggins: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has not had any recent discussions with the Food Standards Agency specifically relating to the impact of the calorific content of soft drinks on childhood obesity.
	The Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland (FSA NI) was recently involved in the production of a report into childhood obesity presented to the Ministerial Group on Public Health, titled Fit Futuresfocus on food activity and young people!
	The Fit Futures taskforce considered in detail the issue of food provision within schools, including the provision of food and drink through vending machines, and has recommended that food and nutrient-based standards should be introduced for all food in schools.
	A cross-departmental working group has been set up in order to progress this issue. The FSA has developed a healthy drinks vending toolkit and other relevant resource materials to support the initiative.
	The FSA nationally has commenced discussions with stakeholders on a strategy to address the calorie levels in certain food to help consumers achieve energy balance; the levels of sugar in some foods, including soft drinks, is being explored as part of this strategy.

Chiropracters

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans there are in Northern Ireland for statutory regulation of chiropractors from  (a) the rest of the UK and  (b) EU countries.

Paul Goggins: There are no plans for further regulation as chiropractors in Northern Ireland like their colleagues in the rest of the United Kingdom are statutorily regulated under the Chiropractors Act 1994.
	Chiropractors practising in the EU who wish to work in the UK must satisfy the following rules before admission to the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) register.
	1. Chiropractors who practise in EU countries that have statutory regulation can apply to the GCC register under EU General Directive 89/48/EEC.
	2. Where a EU country does not have statutory regulation of chiropractors the applicant may still be eligible for registration under the GCC (Registration of Chiropractors with Foreign Qualifications) Rules 2002. This allows applicants who hold a recognised qualification to apply for registration and would include passing a test of competence.
	In both cases the chiropractor must have been practising in the EU for a minimum of three years before they can be considered for registration to the General Chiropractic Council.

Cholesterol

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much has been spent in the Province on  (a) drug treatment and  (b) dietary advice for those at risk of elevated cholesterol levels in each of the last five years.

Paul Goggins: The information requested is not readily available.
	Primary care expenditure on prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs over the last five years is shown in the table.
	
		
			   Cost of drugs ( million) 
			 2001 17.31 
			 2002 20.96 
			 2003 26.35 
			 2004 32.85 
			 2005 30.04 
		
	
	One of the classes of cholesterol-lowering drugs, known as the statins, can also be bought over the counter at community pharmacists, under pharmacist supervision, and this spend is not available. Most health professionals, such as GPs and nurses, would offer advice on a range of measures to improve health including advice on reducing cholesterol levels but the cost cannot be separately identified. Similarly, there is also hospital expenditure on cholesterol-lowering drugs, but the amounts in question are not identified.

Community Health Care

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to increase the range of activities delivered by health care professionals in the community.

Paul Goggins: Too many people in Northern Ireland are admitted to hospital unnecessarily or have their discharge delayed because the community services are not available to support them at home. A key element of our programme of reform for the Health and Personal Social Services (HPSS) is the expansion of community-based health and social care so that people can have access to quality services close to their own homes.
	These will include a range of diagnostic, treatment, rehabilitation and social care support services specifically designed to support people to live independent lives and reduce unnecessary reliance on acute hospital services.

Complementary Therapists

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many complementary therapists are practising in Northern Ireland who are affiliated to a general practitioner practice; and what legislation is in place to ensure those offering this type of alternative medicine are qualified to do so.

Paul Goggins: There are no complementary therapists practising in Northern Ireland who are affiliated to a general practitioner practice.
	Osteopaths are statutorily regulated under the Osteopaths Act 1993 and chiropractors are statutorily regulated under the Chiropractors Act 1994. There is no statutory regulation of any other form of complementary or alternative therapy. Legislation which regulates doctors, nurses, midwives, health visitors, the professions registered by the Professions Allied to Medicine Act 1960 and pharmacists covers their practice of complementary or alternative therapies, or provision of advice by them to the public about such products.

Council Staff Sickness

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average sickness rates were for staff employed at each district council in Northern Ireland in each of the last three years.

David Cairns: The information on sickness rates within district councils is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, the Local Government Auditor, under the provisions in Article 26 of the Local Government (Northern Ireland) Order 2005, is in the process of collecting information about absenteeism for 2005-06. This information will be published and a copy will be placed in the Library.

Criminal Justice

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he plans to introduce legislation in Northern Ireland containing provisions on sentences analogous with those in the Criminal Justice Act 2003 in England and Wales for those convicted of serious sexual or violent offences.

David Hanson: The indeterminate and extended sentences legislated for in the Criminal Justice Act 2003 are under consideration in the current review of the Sentencing Framework in Northern Ireland. Protection of the public will be central to my thinking in the development of a new Framework.
	I will make an announcement in due course.

Criminality

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what criteria he uses to define criminality.

Shaun Woodward: Criminality involves an illegal act prohibited by common law or by statute which may result in prosecution and punishment by the state if the accused is convicted.

Curran Report

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action has been taken to implement the recommendations of the Curran Report commissioned by the Department of Education in Northern Ireland.

Maria Eagle: The recommendations of the Final Report Part 1 (Parity, Performance and Progression) of the Teachers' Pay and Conditions of Service Inquiry have been largely implemented. The Final Report Part 2 (Improving Conditions, Raising Standards and Negotiating Arrangements) made a number of wide-ranging recommendations, which, if implemented, would place a significant demand upon the education budget.
	Successive Ministers have asked the Teachers' Negotiating Committee, which comprises both employers and teacher unions, to consider how the recommendations in the report can be progressed through alternative and innovative ways of working. To this end the Committee has established a working group to identify potential strategies that will free up teachers' time and help reduce teacher workload in line with the recommendations.

Curran Report

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate has been made of the costs required to implement in full the recommendations of the Curran Report.

Maria Eagle: Of the 25 recommendations of the Final Report Part 2 (Improving Conditions, Raising Standards and Negotiating Arrangements) of the Teachers' Pay and Conditions of Service Inquiry (Curran 2), the Department of Education estimates that five would have significant financial implications, and would cost some 84 million a year to implement at 2004-05 prices.
	A number of the report's other recommendations will have cost implications but these are not expected to be significant.

Curricula

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average annual cost was of educating a child in the  (a) enriched curriculum and  (b) traditional curriculum in 2005-06.

Maria Eagle: The enriched curriculum is primarily a pedagogical approach to teaching and learning for children in years one and two of statutory education. It is designed to be sensitive to the way young children learn naturally and to provide greater flexibility in how children learn at an early age. It is not possible to make a direct comparison in the cost of delivery of the enriched curriculum and traditional curriculum, as there are other contributory factors, such as school size and type and involvement in other initiatives that influence costs in any individual school.

Curricula

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his policy is on the use of synthetic phonics in the enriched curriculum in Northern Ireland's schools.

Maria Eagle: Synthetic phonics is one of a range of measures available to teachers in schools in Northern Ireland for the teaching of reading. The Department of Education has no plans to specify that schools should only use this measure.

Curricula

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment was made in preparing the final report of the Early Years Enriched Curriculum Project of the contribution of the enriched and traditional curriculums to improving the educational standards achieved by children in the Shankill Road area.

Maria Eagle: The Enriched Curriculum pilot arose from concerns expressed by teachers in the Shankill area, where the traditional curriculum was not meeting the needs of their pupils. The external evaluation by Queens University was undertaken on a longitudinal basis. It compares the achievements of Enriched Curriculum pupils and traditional curriculum pupils in different classes within the same school. The findings are that children in the Enriched Curriculum in Shankill schools benefit from the approach. Their educational achievements are at least of the same standard as those taking the traditional curriculum by the end of Year 4, and in addition they demonstrate increased self-esteem, confidence, oral skills and enjoyment of learning.

Departmental Legislation

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list  (a) Acts and  (b) parts of Acts which received Royal Assent between 1976 and 2006 for which his Department has policy responsibility and which remain in force.

Peter Hain: The information requested is not held centrally. It could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Press Office

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many  (a) black and Asian and  (b) other people are employed in his Department's press office.

Paul Goggins: Information on ethnicity is provided by staff in the Northern Ireland Office on a voluntary basis. The purpose for which this personal data is collected is to enable the Department to monitor the effectiveness of its policies on equality of opportunity. Such monitoring is neither undertaken nor appropriate at the level of directorates, branches or offices. The following table shows the ethnic composition of the NIO both in Belfast and London as at 24 May 2006.
	
		
			   Number 
			 Black or Asian 14 
			 Others 1,839 
			 Ethnicity not declared 229 
			 Total 2,082

Departmental Staff

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many  (a) women and  (b) men are employed in the Department; what the average pay was for (i) women and (ii) men in the Department in (A) 1997 and (B) 2006; what women's average pay is as a percentage of men's average pay; and how many (1) women and (2) men the Department employed in each of the last five years, broken down by grade.

Paul Goggins: The information is as follows.
	 (a) There are 1,245 women employed in the Department at present.
	 (b) There are 820 men employed in the Department at present.
	With regard to pay, SCS staff and those at Grade A and below are covered by two separate pay systems. The figures have, therefore, been broken down on this basis:
	(i) (A) The average pay for women, both at SCS and Grade A and below, in the Department in 1997 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	(i) (B) The average pay for women at SCS level in the Department in 2006 is 64,506.
	The average pay for women at Grade A and below in the Department in 2006 is 19,842.
	(ii) (A) The average pay for men, both at SCS and Grade A and below, in the Department in 1997 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	(ii) (B) The average pay for men at SCS level in the Department in 2006 is 76,509.
	The average pay for men at Grade A and below in the Department in 2006 is 23,074.
	For those staff at SCS level, women's average pay in 2006 is 84.3 per cent. of men's.
	For those staff at Grade A and below, women's average pay in 2006 is 83.7 per cent. of men's.
	(1) and (2) The figures for the numbers of women and men employed in the Northern Ireland Office in each of the last five years, broken down by grade, are as follows:
	
		
			   2001  2002  2003  2004  2005 
			  Females  
			 SCS 7 7 9 10 12 
			 Grade A 52 61 67 75 75 
			 Grade B1 53 61 65 74 86 
			 Grade B2 81 102 112 111 122 
			 Grade C 256 273 283 297 318 
			 Grade D1 279 314 322 346 364 
			 Grade D2 168 192 179 163 167 
			 Female totals 896 1,010 1,037 1,076 1,144 
			   
			  Males  
			 SCS 34 35 38 38 38 
			 Grade A 86 72 82 95 98 
			 Grade B1 86 100 103 114 112 
			 Grade B2 104 121 136 144 146 
			 Grade C 138 124 114 128 146 
			 Grade D1 104 107 114 111 129 
			 Grade D2 101 103 102 100 103 
			 Male totals 653 662 689 730 772 
			   
			 Overall totals 1,549 1,672 1,726 1,806 1,916

Departmental Staff

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many Northern Ireland civil servants attended the Civil Service Islamic Society Eid-Ul-Adha event in London in 2005; and what the total cost was of their attendance.

Peter Hain: My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will write to the hon. Member with details of the Civil Service Islamic Society Eid-Ul-Adha event. Copies of her letter will be placed in the Library.

Domestic Violence

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many incidents of domestic violence were reported  (a) against women and  (b) against men in Northern Ireland in each of the last three years.

David Hanson: Statistics on domestic violence incidents are available from the Police Service of Northern Ireland and from the Domestic Violence Helpline run by Women's Aid Federation. The number of incidents reported and calls received are given in the following table. Within the police statistics for incidents reported there is no official breakdown available for male and female but it is known that women are the victims in the majority of reported cases. The Domestic Violence Helpline service was only extended to cover male victims from February 2005 and it is estimated that in 2005-06 about 200 calls to the Helpline (1 per cent.) were from male victims.
	
		
			  Domestic violence incidents reported to PSNI and calls received by domestic violence helpline 
			  Year (April?March)  Incidents reported to PSNI  No breakdown by gender is available  Calls to the domestic violence helpline  Percentage female victims 
			 2003-04 16,926 n/a 17,120 100 
			 2004-05 20,959 n/a 19,472 99 
			 2005-06 23,059 n/a 20,257 99 
			  Note:  These figures do not represent the prevalence of the problem as domestic violence is seriously under-reported There is also likely to be some degree of overlap in the figures from the two sources as victims may report abuse to the police and also seek help and advice through the Helpline.

Domestic Violence

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many  (a) men and  (b) women have died in Northern Ireland in the past three years as a direct result of domestic violence.

David Hanson: Deaths as a result of domestic violence in the past three years are given in the following table.
	
		
			   Deaths: 
			  Year (April-March)  Male  Female 
			 2003-04 2 2 
			 2004-05 1 6 
			 2005-06 3 3 
			  Source:  Police Service of Northern Ireland

Domestic Violence

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what facilities exist for men who present themselves as victims of domestic violence; and how many refuge centres exist in the Province.

David Hanson: A strategy for addressing domestic violence in Northern Ireland, Tackling Violence at Home, was launched in October 2005. The strategy is aimed at providing protection and support to all victims of domestic violence, irrespective of gender or sexual orientation. All victims can seek information and advice through the free-phone Domestic Violence Helpline and male victims are sign-posted to organisations that provide services for men, such as the Men's Advisory Project, Men-to-Men or the Rainbow Project. Any victim of a domestic assault can seek protection from the police who will investigate, arrest the alleged abuser if power exists and prosecute where there is evidence of a crime. Alternatively a victim can engage a solicitor and apply to a court for a civil order (a non-molestation order and/or an occupation order) to prevent further abuse or exclude the abuser from the family home. There are 12 Women's Aid Refuges for women and children fleeing domestic violence. There are no refuges in operation specifically for male victims of domestic violence given the small numbers involved but men may seek assistance from the Housing Executive who will offer the full range of homelessness services including supported or unsupported temporary accommodation.

Domiciliary Care Workers

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what rate per mile is paid for travel carried out by domiciliary care workers in each of the Northern Ireland health and social services trusts.

Paul Goggins: The actual rate of travel for HPSS employees is a matter for the employer to decide and up to date information on the rates in payment is not held centrally. It will take some time to collate this information and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as it is available and place a copy in the Library.

Domiciliary Care Workers

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the terms are of the increased offer of mileage rate to domiciliary care workers in each health and social services trust in Northern Ireland.

Paul Goggins: Discussions are currently underway with the relevant trade union but at this stage no offer has been made by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

Domiciliary Care Workers

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the business rate of mileage paid to domiciliary care workers will be when Agenda for Change is fully implemented by the health and social services trusts in Northern Ireland.

Paul Goggins: The responsibility for the payment of mileage to domiciliary care workers rests with HPSS employers. The level of mileage allowance applicable is determined by the circumstances of the individual and the organisation. Three categories are available:
	
		
			   Engine capacity 
			   Up to l000cc  1001 to 1500cc  Over 1500cc 
			  Regular user allowance
			 Lump sum () 508 626 760 
			 Up to 9,000 miles 27p 33.5p 40p 
			 Thereafter 16.2p 18.3p 20.5p 
			 
			  Standard rate
			 Up to 3,500 miles 34p 43p 53p 
			 Thereafter 16.2p 18.3p 20.5p 
		
	
	 Public transport mileage rate
	Public Transport mileage is payable at 23p per mile where the employer deems that standard or regular user rates do not apply.

Education and Library Boards

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what budget was allocated to each of the Education and Library Boards in Northern Ireland for  (a) 2005-06 and  (b) 2006-07.

Maria Eagle: The following tables show the funding (recurrent and capital) allocated to each of the Education and Library Boards by the three funding Departments, Department of Education (DE), Department of Culture Arts and Leisure (DCAL) and Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) in the last two financial years, ie 2005-06 and 2006-07. It should be noted that the 2005-06 figures relate to initial and final end-year allocations while the 2006-07 figures cover only the initial allocations provided at the start of the financial year. Further funding held by my Departments including end year flexibility allocations carried forward from 2005-06 and earmarked for ELBs have still to be allocated.
	
		
			  2005-06 (initial allocation) 
			   million 
			   Recurrent  Capital  Total 
			 BELB 195.0 13.9 208.9 
			 NEELB 256.0 17.5 273.5 
			 SEELB 225.5 20.6 246.1 
			 SELB 267.2 17.5 284.7 
			 WELB 220.3 15.8 236.1 
			 Total 1,164.0 85.3 1,249.3 
		
	
	
		
			  2005-06 (final allocation) 
			   million 
			   Recurrent  Capital  Total 
			 BELB 220.2 10.0 230.2 
			 NEELB 281.2 16.7 297.9 
			 SEELB 250.5 21.7 272.2 
			 SELB 296.1 16.2 312.3 
			 WELB 299.9 12.7 312.6 
			 Total 1,347.9 77.3 1,425.2 
		
	
	
		
			  2006-07 (initial allocation) 
			   million 
			   Recurrent  Capital  Total 
			 BELB (1)191.8 10.6 202.4 
			 NEELB 265.8 11.9 277.7 
			 SEELB (1)226.4 11.7 238.1 
			 SELB 277.8 13.6 291.4 
			 WELB 228.8 16.2 245.0 
			 Total 1,190.6 64.0 1,254.6 
			 (1) In 2006-07, the amounts allocated by the Department of Education to BELB and SEELB were net of part-repayments of deficit by both Boards amounting to 3 million and 4.5 million respectively.

Education and Library Boards

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of how much has been spent over the last 10 years on job evaluations within education and library boards in the Province.

Maria Eagle: A total of 125 million has been allocated for the job evaluation exercise by the Department of Education and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure since 1995-96 for school-based staff, former-manual staff, classroom assistants and library staff. This figure includes the estimated cost for annual uplift of salaries until 2007-08. However, it does not include the costs for the job evaluations of former non-manual headquarters and out-centre staff that the education and library boards have had to absorb within their annual running costs. That information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Education and Library Boards

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what funding was provided to the education and library boards in Northern Ireland in the last year for which figures are available; and whether this funding is ring fenced.

Maria Eagle: A total of 1,425.2 million (made up of 77.3 million capital and 1,347.9 million resource allocations) was provided to the education and library boards in Northern Ireland in 2005-06, the last year for which full year information is available. These allocations were made by the three funding departments:
	Department of Education (DE);
	Department of Culture Arts and Leisure (DCAL); and
	Department for Employment and Learning (DEL).
	The funding provided by each Department is ring fenced for use only on the functions that the boards provide for or on behalf of that Department. In all cases, capital funding cannot be transferred to resource budgets. In the case of the Department of Education, funding provided via Local Management of Schools for school budgets is also ring fenced for individual schools and funding for youth is ring fenced for youth service activities.
	The allocations from each Department also include separate, smaller earmarked allocations to boards for specific activities and initiatives.

Fallen Stock

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many fallen livestock have been recorded in the Strangford constituency over the past three years.

David Cairns: The information is not available in the format suggested. Data is available in relation to collections recorded for the National Fallen Stock Scheme in Northern Ireland from 22 November 2004, when the scheme was introduced, to 25 May 2006 (see table 1 following). Figures are not available for other legal means of disposal including independent collection through approved hunt kennels. The National Fallen Stock Scheme does not collect fallen bovines over 24 months old, for which the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development provides a free collection service for the purposes of BSE testing (refer to table 2).
	
		
			  Table 1: National fallen stock scheme collections in Northern Ireland recorded from 22 November 2004 to 25 May 2006 
			  Category  Number of collections 
			 Bovines 0 to 24 months 47,705 
			 Container for bovine 4 
			 Bovine per 10 litre volume 10 
			 Sheep and lambs 26,090 
			 Container for lambs 164 
			 Sheep/lambs per 10 kg weight 1,649 
			 Sheep/lambs per 10 litre volume 295 
			 Goats and kids 76 
			 Container for goats 8 
			 Goats per 10 kg weight 533 
			 Pigs and piglets 5,823 
			 Container for piglets 507 
			 Pigs/piglets per 10 kg weight 72,359 
			 Pigs/piglets per 10 litre volume 1,576 
			 Poultry per 10 kg weight 375,323 
			 Container for poultry 6,476 
			 Poultry per 10 litre volume 8,220 
			 Deer 2 
			 Horses and foals 73 
			 Donkeys 2 
			 Ponies and foals 23 
			 Mixed animals per 10 kg weight (bovine/sheep/goats/pigs) 7,708 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Over 24 months fallen bovines tested for BSE in Northern Ireland 
			   Number of bovines tested 
			 2003 7,095 
			 2004 8,997 
			 2005 9,734

Female Employment

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the number of women employed in Northern Ireland doing low-paid work on a part-time basis; and if he will make a statement.

Maria Eagle: It is not possible to provide estimates of the number of women employed in Northern Ireland doing low-paid work on a part-time basis using minimum wage definitions. This is because the sample size of the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) used for this purpose is too small to provide reliable estimates. For information, ASHE estimates that the lowest paid 10 per cent. of part-time female employees (approximately 12,000) earned less than 4.85 per hour(1), excluding overtime, in April 2005.
	(1) This estimate is for part-time female employees of all ages on adult rates of pay, and with no loss of earnings during the survey reference period. The estimate does not reflect compliance with the national minimum wage levels which vary by age group.

Former Police Officers

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what grounds the contracts of employment in the Northern Ireland Police Fund of  (a) Mr. Desmond Clayton and  (b) Mr. Thomas Hale were terminated; what the total cost was of the severance package for each; and what budget the severance packages were paid from.

Paul Goggins: The employment and termination of employment for staff members of the Northern Ireland Police Fund is a matter for the Board of Directors of the Police Fund.

Gaelic Athletic Association

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much public money has been made available to support the Gaelic Athletic Association in Northern Ireland in each of the last 10 years.

David Hanson: These figures have been placed in the Library of the House.

Glenshane Pass

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many vehicles per day on average used the Glenshane Pass in either direction between Dungiven and Maghera in the latest period for which figures are available.

David Cairns: The Chief Executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question.
	 Letter from Malcolm McKibbin, dated 30 May 2006:
	You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question regarding how many vehicles per day on average used the Glenshane Pass in either direction between Dungiven and Maghera in the latest period for which figures are available.
	As this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.
	By way of background I should explain that Roads Service collects traffic volume data by means of 270 automatic census points strategically located throughout the Northern Ireland road network. The information is recorded for one week in each quarter during the year and an annual average calculated. The results are published in Roads Service's annual Traffic and Travel Information Report, which presents the traffic volumes in a variety of formats for each site.
	Roads Service have a counter on the A6 Castledawson to Dungiven road, west of Maghera at Ranaghan. The latest data on the average daily number of vehicles using the Glenshane Pass in either direction between Dungiven and Maghera is shown in the table below.
	
		
			  Location  Average daily flow 
			 Between Dungiven and Maghera 5,430 
			 Between Maghera and Dungiven 5,500

General Practitioners

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many GP retainer places are provided in the Province; and what plans there are to increase the number of places.

Paul Goggins: There are currently 45 GP retainer places in the Province. All those that have applied to enter the scheme have been accommodated. There are no plans to increase the number of places.

Health Trusts

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much each health trust in the Province spent on adminstration in each of the last five years; and what percentage of overall budget this represented in each case.

Paul Goggins: The information requested is provided in the following tables.
	
		
			  Analysis of total trust expenditure on administration, from 2000-01 to 2004-05 
			  000 
			  NI HSS Trust  2000-01  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05 
			 Altnagelvin Hospitals 4,535 5,173 5,738 6,652 7,695 
			 Armagh and Dungannon 4,614 4,167 4,937 5,465 5,876 
			 Belfast City Hospital Group 10,416 11,571 12,562 13,940 14,969 
			 Causeway 6,666 7,182 7,666 8,370 9,139 
			 Craigavon and Banbridge Community 3,985 4,393 4,832 5,377 6,166 
			 Craigavon Area Hospital Group 4,988 5,668 6,156 7,028 7,794 
			 Down and Lisburn 8,233 9,104 9,912 11,956 11,876 
			 Foyle 7,891 8,313 8,955 9,842 10,917 
			 Greenpark 4,291 4,505 4,911 5,174 5,559 
			 Homefirst Community 10,150 11,241 11,970 14,555 16,337 
			 Mater Infirmorum Hospital 2,976 3,194 3,235 3,878 4,234 
			 Newry and Mourne 4,578 4,985 5,494 6,258 6,976 
			 Northern Ireland Ambulance Service 958 1,223 1,370 2,032 1,910 
			 North and West Belfast 8,090 8,692 9,223 10,299 11,506 
			 Royal Group of Hospitals 14,662 16,204 17,623 19,357 21,025 
			 South and East Belfast 9,106 9,915 10,800 11,974 12,863 
			 Sperrin Lakeland 6,135 6,530 7,079 7,958 8,711 
			 Ulster Community and Hospitals  Trust 10,645 11,524 12,695 14,264 15,730 
			 United Hospitals 8,708 9,201 9,666 10,424 11,075 
			 NI total expenditure on administration 131,625 142,784 154,824 174,805 190,358 
			  Notes:  1. Total administration includes chairman's and non-executive members' remuneration, executive board members, administration and clerical and agency staff working on administration.  2. Senior clinical professionals on management contracts, can not be separately identified and excluded from administration costs. 
		
	
	
		
			  Administration as a percentage of total trust expenditure on staff costs and other expenses from 2000-01 to 2004-05 
			  Percentage share 
			  Trust  2000-01  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05 
			 Altnagelvin Hospitals 7.3 7.4 7.4 7.6 7.9 
			 Armagh and Dungannon 7.0 6.7 7.1 7.0 7.7 
			 Belfast City Hospital Group 8.4 8.4 8.2 8.3 8.1 
			 Causeway 9.1 9.3 9.3 9.0 9.2 
			 Craigavon and Banbridge Community 8.6 8.8 8.8 8.8 9.8 
			 Craigavon Area Hospital Group 7.7 7.3 7.3 7.5 7.6 
			 Down and Lisburn 8.3 8.3 7.8 8.5 8.0 
			 Foyle 10.3 10.1 9.7 9.6 10.4 
			 Greenpark 8.6 8.7 9.5 9.3 9.0 
			 Homefirst Community 8.3 8.6 7.9 8.6 9.5 
			 Mater Infirmorum Hospital 10.9 10.2 9.0 9.7 9.4 
			 Newry and Mourne 7.9 7.7 7.7 7.6 8.0 
			 Northern Ireland Ambulance Service 4.0 4.6 4.8 6.2 4.9 
			 North and West Belfast 8.1 7.9 7.5 7.5 8.4 
			 Royal Group of Hospitals 7.7 7.3 7.3 7.4 7.7 
			 South and East Belfast 8.5 9.6 8.5 8.8 9.2 
			 Sperrin Lakeland 6.6 6.5 6.2 6.3 6.6 
			 Ulster Community and Hospitals  Trust 8.3 8.1 8.1 7.6 8.2 
			 United Hospitals 9.0 8.7 9.7 9.1 8.8

Healthcare-acquired Infections

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many cases of  (a) Clostridium difficile and  (b) vancomycin-resistant enterocuccus have been reported in each health trust in the Province in each month of the last three years.

Paul Goggins: The information is as follows.
	 (a) Mandatory surveillance for  Clostridium difficile only commenced in Northern Ireland on 1 January 2005. Hospital laboratory reports are filtered and data on over 65-year-olds are then analysed on a quarterly basis.
	
		
			  Number of Clostridium difficile patient episodes reported to the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (NI) by trust and quarter( 1) 
			  Trust  January-March 2005  April-June 2005  July-September 2005 
			 Altnagelvin Hospitals 16 37 9 
			 Belfast City Hospital 40 44 52 
			 Causeway 9 20 19 
			 Craigavon Area Hospital Group 75 64 27 
			 Down Lisburn 8 14 18 
			 Green Park 6 1 3 
			 Mater Infirmorum Hospital 10 10 8 
			 Newry and Mourne 13 8 5 
			 Royal Group of Hospitals 35 27 29 
			 Sperrin Lakeland 4 4 2 
			 Ulster Community and Hospitals 51 56 42 
			 Ulster Community and United Hospitals 39 23 27 
			 (1) All data provisional 
		
	
	 (b) The number of vancomycin-resistant blood isolates of enterococci has been collated through voluntary laboratory reporting in Northern Ireland since 1 January 2003. Each laboratory may serve a number of different Trusts, including acute, specialist and community trusts. The following table shows the number of reports since 2003 compiled by the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (NI).
	
		
			   2003  2004  2005  2006 
			  Laboratory  April  June  July  September  October  August  January 
			 Antrim Area Hospital  1  
			 Belfast City Hospital  1   2   
			 Causeway laboratory   1 
			 Craigavon Area Hospital
			 Mater Infirmorum Hospital   1 
			 Ulster Hospital 1   1
			 Annual total 2 4 1 1

Healthcare-acquired Infections

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many healthcare-acquired infections there were within each health trust in the Province in each month of the last three years.

Paul Goggins: It is not feasible to have active surveillance of all healthcare associated infections (HCAIs). Currently there are three mandatory HCAI surveillance programmes in Northern Ireland on  Clostridium difficile,  Staphylococcus aureus (and MRSA) bacteraemias, and orthopaedic surgical site infections. When collated, these act as markers for the level of HCAI found in hospitals.

Healthcare-acquired Infections

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many cases of MRSA have been reported within each health trust in the Province in each month of the last three years.

Paul Goggins: The information is not available in the requested form.
	Statistics on MRSA bacteraemias are recorded quarterly by trust and are provided in the following table. The results collated are of infections which have been identified by testing within a hospital. However, no distinction can be made between where the infection was actually acquired, i.e. in hospital or in the community. Trusts with different clinical mixes and specialties will have differing proportions of patients at high risk of infection.
	
		
			  Trust  January to March 2004  April to June 2004  July to September 2004  October to December 2004  January to March 2005  April to June 2005  July to September 2005 
			 Altnagelvin Hospitals 10 6 1 5 5 7 3 
			 Belfast City Hospital 18 9 13 7 7 18 6 
			 Causeway 3 1 4 1 3 3 3 
			 Craigavon Area Hospital Group 7 8 5 4 4 6 5 
			 Down Lisburn 5 4 5 3 4 0 2 
			 Green Park 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 
			 Mater Infirmorum  Hospital 4 0 0 5 4 7 7 
			 Newry and Mourne 2 0 1 2 0 0 1 
			 Royal Group of Hospitals 13 8 11 12 13 13 14 
			 Sperrin Lakeland 7 5 4 0 2 1 1 
			 Ulster Community and Hospitals 2 12 12 8 4 11 7 
			 United Hospitals 13 10 10 8 10 5 7 
		
	
	
		
			  Trust  July to September 2002  October to December 2002  January to March 2003  April to June 2003  July to September 2003  October to December 2003 
			 Altnagelvin Hospitals 2 3 5 2 4 6 
			 Belfast City Hospital 13 13 10 13 15 17 
			 Causeway 4 2 0 5 2 2 
			 Craigavon Area Hospital Group 6 2 2 6 5 12 
			 Down Lisburn 0 3 3 5 2 2 
			 Green Park 1 0 2 0 2 1 
			 Mater Infirmorum Hospital 4 6 7 5 7 6 
			 Newry and Mourne 2 0 1 4 1 4 
			 Royal Group of Hospitals 4 8 9 11 12 10 
			 Sperrin Lakeland 1 0 6 2 6 1 
			 Ulster Community and Hospitals 8 11 7 5 7 4 
			 United Hospitals 6 9 10 17 9 10

Hepatitis A

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what information is available in the Province to ensure people who do not have access to the internet are able to access hard copy material warning them about contracting hepatitis A due to poor water quality.

Paul Goggins: The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) and the Department of the Environment do not have written material available for the public about contracting hepatitis A through water in Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom water industry, including Northern Ireland, has drinking water processes and procedures in place, which ensure that health risks from contamination are extremely low.
	The booklet, Health Advice for Travellers, published jointly by the Department of Health and DHSSPS, is available from post offices. Under the heading hepatitis A, advice on infection risk in relation to water and food and on hand washing is provided for travellers going to countries where sanitation is basic. Country-by-country risks and recommendations for travellers on hepatitis A are also contained in the jointly published book, Health Information for Overseas Travel, which is aimed at health professionals and available from the Stationery Office.

Holy Cross College, Strabane

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to ensure that there is no further delay in the construction of Holy Cross college in Strabane.

Maria Eagle: Having fully considered the representations made to exempt Holy Cross college from the policy changes in respect of cleaning services in PPP projects, I have concluded that this project must be in line with all other PPP school projects and apply the policy on cleaning services.
	A letter has now issued to the trustees and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools advising them of this decision. My officials will shortly be in contact with the project manager to convene a meeting of relevant stakeholders to agree an action plan that will ensure any delays and costs are kept to a minimum.

Hospital Security

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to increase resources allocated for hospital security at  (a) Ulster hospital and  (b) other Northern Ireland hospitals.

Paul Goggins: The resources made available to the health and personal social services (HPSS) do not specify an amount for hospital security. However, it is within the remit of each trust to allocate appropriate resources for security, as it considers necessary in fulfilling its duty of care to patients, staff and visitors.
	The Department is fully committed to improving health and safety protection for all HPSS staff and there are a number of measures already in place to demonstrate this commitment e.g. personal alarms for lone workers, panic buttons and restricted access in A and E, CCTV, joint protocols between the Department and the Police Service of Northern Ireland on reporting incidents, publicity campaign that violent attacks on staff are crimes. Also, a controls assurance standard for security management for the HPSS is being developed and will further ensure that there is a secure environment that protects all service users, staff and visitors.

Hospital Staff Shortages

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many  (a) operations and  (b) other hospital procedures have been cancelled at short notice over the last five years because of staff holidays.

Paul Goggins: The information requested on cancelled operations and procedures is not collected centrally. Hospitals currently use a mixture of computerised and manual theatre systems from which consistent and reliable data cannot be extracted.
	A computerised regional theatre management system is currently being procured. Once it is operational in all trusts, it will be possible to obtain consistent information on cancelled operations from all trusts.

Hospital Waiting Times

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average waiting time to be seen by a consultant was for people in North Belfast for  (a) cardiac problems,  (b) cancer and  (c) other conditions in the last period for which figures are available.

Paul Goggins: The information requested is not available.

Hotels

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many hotel  (a) rooms and  (b) beds there were in each district council area in Northern Ireland (i) in the last 12 months and (ii) 10 years ago.

Maria Eagle: On 30 April 1996 there were 3,696 hotel rooms and 8,132 bedspaces available in Northern Ireland and 6,105 hotel rooms and 13,827 bedspaces on 30 April 2006. Breakdown by local authority Area is in the following table:
	
		
			   Hotels as at 30 April 1996  Hotels as at 30 April 2006 
			   Number of hotels  Number of rooms  Number of bedspaces  Number of hotels  Number of rooms  Number of bedspaces 
			 Antrim Borough Council 5 222 566 6 393 832 
			 Ards Borough Council 5 89 177 2 51 103 
			 Armagh District Council 3 35 89 2 129 317 
			 Ballymena District Council 5 149 310 5 155 322 
			 Ballymoney Borough Council 1 9 16 1 9 16 
			 Banbridge District Council 2 22 36 3 41 73 
			 Belfast City Council 11 614 1,158 21 1,812 3,768 
			 Carrickfergus Borough Council 2 30 56 4 151 356 
			 Castlereagh Borough Council 1 38 75 4 334 750 
			 Coleraine Borough Council 16 367 934 14 398 1,125 
			 Cookstown District Council 4 90 207 4 98 215 
			 Craigavon Borough Council 4 112 227 3 83 169 
			 Derry City Council 7 237 512 9 585 1,416 
			 Down District Council 11 279 753 6 255 628 
			 Dungannon District Council 5 78 199 3 72 172 
			 Fermanagh District Council 9 223 510 10 319 781 
			 Larne Borough Council 8 131 263 5 145 328 
			 Limavady District Council 5 147 359 3 183 471 
			 Lisburn Borough Council 4 191 408 3 100 225 
			 Magherafelt District Council 0 0 0 2 33 93 
			 Moyle District Council 5 94 219 4 103 260 
			 Newry and Mourne District Council 3 58 119 5 211 494 
			 Newtownabbey Borough Council 2 95 188 2 92 198 
			 North Down Borough Council 8 300 571 6 268 541 
			 Omagh District Council 2 48 97 1 46 88 
			 Strabane District Council 2 38 83 2 39 86 
			 Northern Ireland Total 130 3,696 8,132 130 6,105 13,827

Human Rights Commission

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to the answer of 15 May 2006,  Official Report, column 699W, on the Human Rights Commission, what nationality criteria are applied when appointing the Chief Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission.

David Hanson: No nationality criteria are applied to the appointment of the Chief Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission.

Incorrect Labelling

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many companies in Northern Ireland have been fined in the last five years in Northern Ireland for incorrect information contained on their products.

Maria Eagle: In the five-year period between 1 April 2001 and 31 March 2006 four companies were prosecuted under the Weights and Measures (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 and fined for displaying the wrong weight on their products. In addition, in the period 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2005 for which we have statistics, there were six prosecutions under food labelling legislation.

Independent Monitoring Commission

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his Department's contribution is to the expenses of the Independent Monitoring Commission; what the cost of the Commission has been in each year since its formation; and how much of the cost is accounted for by  (a) administrative costs including staff,  (b) members' allowances and emoluments and  (c) members' expenses.

Shaun Woodward: The Independent Monitoring Commission is jointly funded by the Northern Ireland Office and the Department of Justice, each contributing 50 per cent. of the overall expenses of the Commission.
	The costs of the Commission to the Northern Ireland Office are set out in the following table:
	
		
			   
			   January 2004-March 2005  April 2005-March 2006 
			 Total cost 546,579 220,516 
			  (a) 50,528 38,470 
			  (b) 101,621 86,655 
			  (c) 88,078 95,391

Influenza Pandemic

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what containment measures have been drawn up in Northern Ireland should an influenza pandemic break out in the Province.

Paul Goggins: The Government are taking the issue of pandemic flu very seriously.
	The World Health Organisation (WHO) believes the United Kingdom to be one of the best prepared countries in the world for dealing with a pandemic influenza.
	The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) has been working on pandemic influenza plans for two years. These dovetail with the UK National Plan and are based on the framework recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for national pandemic plans.
	Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts within Northern Ireland have also developed contingency plans based on the DHSSPS plan.
	Antivirals will provide the first form of defence against a pandemic flu. In line with the rest of the UK we have ordered sufficient doses of antivirals to treat the predicted number of people who will become ill. The full supply is on target to be received here by September 2006.
	Vaccination will offer the best form of protection against pandemic flu but a vaccine cannot be manufactured until the exact flu strain is known. It will take around 4-6 months for Northern Ireland Office stocks to become available. Once the vaccine is available, Government plan to vaccinate the whole population.
	As a further precautionary measure, Government have ordered 3.5 million doses (and Northern Ireland will get its share) of the H5N1 vaccine as part of the work to prepare for and reduce the impact of a possible flu pandemic. The vaccine will be used to carry out further research and may also be used to vaccinate front line health care workers before a specific pandemic vaccine is developed.
	Integral to Government's preparedness on pandemic flu is surveillance. For the past four years Northern Ireland has had an enhanced surveillance scheme for human influenza operated by the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSDC NI) through a network of GP spotter practices. This enhanced surveillance will provide early warning of new viruses circulating here in NI and CDSC and will also link to the Health Protection Agency (UK) to provide timely information for the production of UK surveillance data in the event of a pandemic.
	DHSSPS recently carried out a large-scale tabletop exercise to test its contingency plan. The report of the lessons learned will be available shortly.

Influenza Pandemic

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many professionals are employed in the Department for Health, Social Services and Public Safety dealing with the potential threat of a full pandemic.

Paul Goggins: There are currently the equivalent of 1.5 members of medical staff and 0.5 principal officer dedicated solely to pandemic flu preparedness. Within the Department other members of staff also provide advice and support on this matter from time to time as required. These include medical, nursing, pharmacy, social services and senior administrative staff.
	The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety is working in partnership with the wider health and personal social services, and other Government Departments and agencies to plan for the consequences of a flu pandemic.

Informants

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many arrests were made due to information provided by informants in Northern Ireland in each of the last 20 years.

Paul Goggins: It is Government policy never to comment on specific national security and intelligence matters.

Information Technology

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was spent on information technology (IT) sourced from outside his Department in each of the last five years; who is responsible for such projects in his Department; and what IT  (a) expertise and  (b) qualifications they possess.

Paul Goggins: The following table covers the NIO core department, agencies, the legal offices (Director of Public Prosecutions and Crown Solicitors Office). It does not cover the Northern Ireland Departments, the police or other independent bodies.
	
		
			  ICT Expenditure 
			
			 2001-02 2,399,200 
			 2002-03 5,341,000 
			 2003-04 8,090,000 
			 2004-05 17,014,300 
			 2005-06 10,724,400 
			 Total 43,568,900 
		
	
	The person responsible for ICT expenditure and related projects is the assistant director, information systems, who sets policy and advises the Permanent Secretary on these matters.
	Any person project-managing a medium to large project within information systems would be trained to the industry standard project management level, for example, Prince 2.
	All technical members of ISD have a minimum of HND/HNC in computing or a minimum of five years technical experience.

Information Technology

Christopher Huhne: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the  (a) originally estimated,  (b) most recently estimated and  (c) outturn cost was in each of the five largest information technology contracts agreed with outside suppliers over the last five years.

Paul Goggins: The following table covers the NIO Core Department, agencies, the legal offices (Director of Public Prosecutions and Crown Solicitors Office) and the Bloody Sunday Inquiry (BSI). It does not cover the Northern Ireland Departments, the police or other independent bodies.
	
		
			  
			  Project  Purpose  Amount spent  ( million ex. VAT)  Most recently estimated  (000 ex. VAT)  Outturn cost ( million) 
			 COMPASS (to 2002) To provide an e-human resources system for the Northern Ireland Prison Service 5 5.06 5. 06 
			  
			 PRISM (to spring 2006) To provide a prisoner record system for the Northern Ireland Prison Service 7 7.26 Project ongoing 
			  
			 CAUSEWAY (PPP  project to 2013) A joint enterprise by criminal justice organisations in Northern Ireland to share information electronically 45 45 Project ongoing 
			  
			 FLAX (to 2005) Replace NIO IT infrastructure, provide Internet and intranet and meet electronic document and records management targets 8.5 8.5 8.5 
			  
			 Bloody Sunday  Inquiry-Londonderry and London Implementation of IT systems to support the work of the Inquiry
			 1998  1.1 1.1 1.1 
			 2002  7.1 7.1 7.1 
			 2003  5 5 5 
			 2004  2.6 2.6 2.6 
			 2005  3.7 3.7 3.7

Insulin Products

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the availability of synthetic and animal-derived insulin products in the Province over the last three years; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Goggins: During the past three years the availability of insulin has been affected by a number of issues. Some manufacturers have rationalised the range of insulin products they produce. Six synthetic insulin products have been discontinued but three new synthetic products have been introduced. As a result some patients have had to agree new insulin regimes with their prescriber.
	However, the full range of animal-derived and synthetic insulin products continues to be available in Northern Ireland from pharmaceutical wholesalers.

Insulin Products

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many prescription items were issued of  (a) animal and  (b) synthetic insulin in the Province in each of the last five years.

Paul Goggins: Information on the number of prescription items dispensed for  (a) animal and  (b) synthetic insulin in each of the last five years is shown in the following table.
	
		
			   Animal insulin  Synthetic insulin 
			 2001 2,655 91,921 
			 2002 2,448 100,726 
			 2003 2,379 117,401 
			 2004 2,204 138,156 
			 2005 2,217 151,530 
			  Notes: 1. Insulins are those defined in the British National Formulary (BNF) sections, 6.1.1.0, 6.1.1.1 and 6.1.1.2. 2. The count of items does not relate to individual people, as a person will be prescribed multiple items in the course of a year.   Source:  Central Services Agency.

Intelligence Gathering

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether  (a) the Police Service of Northern Ireland and  (b) MI5 has primacy in intelligence gathering for paramilitary and subversive activity by the (i) UVF, (ii) UDA, (iii) LVF, (iv) Provisional IRA, (v) Continuity IRA and (vi) Real IRA.

Paul Goggins: Lead responsibility for intelligence work to counter the threat from terrorism in Northern Ireland posed by all the groups listed, currently lies with the PSNI. In line with the Government's Written Statement to Parliament of 24 February 2005, lead responsibility for that work will transfer to the Security Service during 2007 and provide consistency with the rest of the United Kingdom.

Intelligence Gathering

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he discusses paramilitary activity with the same sources as the Independent Monitoring Commission.

Paul Goggins: I discuss paramilitary activity with my security advisers. The IMC is an independent international organisation and I therefore cannot comment on the sources it speaks to.

Intelligence Gathering

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the Independent Monitoring Commission accesses security sources that are unavailable to him.

Paul Goggins: The Independent Monitoring Commission is an independent international organisation and all meetings it has are confidential. I am therefore not aware of the bodies that the IMC consults as part of its work.

Invest Northern Ireland

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many new jobs were secured in each of the district council areas of the Province by Invest Northern Ireland in each of the last 10 years.

Maria Eagle: Table 1 shows the number of jobs promoted within each district council area as a result of inward investment projects during the 10 years from 1996-97 to 2005-06. Information supplied for 2005-06 is provisional and may be subject to change.
	
		
			  Table 1: New jobs promoted by district council area in inward investment projects (1996-97 to 2005-06) 
			  District council  1996-97  1997-98  1998-99  1999-2000  2000-01  2001-02  2002-03 
			 Antrim 20 90 86 166  223 5 
			 Ards  100 14 113   70 
			 Armagh   25 
			 Ballymena 290 115   12   
			 Ballymoney 73 129  
			 Banbridge  12  
			 Belfast 781 2,658 2,462 3,833 2,361 905 251 
			 Carrickfergus  55  130 723 76 100 
			 Castlereagh .55 54122  
			 Coleraine 12 52 77 123
			 Cookstown   32 
			 Craigavon 45 298 202 145 37 72 16 
			 Derry 340 1,225 158 960 357 520 93 
			 Down 23 7585  
			 Dungannon 344 75  106 20 98  
			 Fermanagh  22  130  10 350 
			 Larne 369 45 71 147
			 Limavady 759 10   26   
			 Lisburn 566  512 32  90  
			 Magherafelt
			 Moyle
			 Newry and Mourne 131  275  300 64 50 
			 Newtown Abbey 779 140 150 374 1,640 93  
			 North Down  51  325  18 41 
			 Omagh  150  
			 Strabane 100  155  30   
			 Grand total 4,687 5,206 4,162 6,584 5,506 2,526 1,033 
		
	
	
		
			   2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  Council total 
			 Antrim  319 20 929 
			 Ards 5   302 
			 Armagh25 
			 Ballymena417 
			 Ballymoney202 
			 Banbridge  13  25 
			 Belfast 884 2,561 1,157 17,853 
			 Carrickfergus1,084 
			 Castlereagh  24  255 
			 Coleraine264 
			 Cookstown  148 40 220 
			 Craigavon 110  49 974 
			 Derry 486 40 361 4,540 
			 Down183 
			 Dungannon 8 17  668 
			 Fermanagh 194  11 717 
			 Larne 25 112 155 924 
			 Limavady 24   819 
			 Lisburn  16 71 1,287 
			 Magherafelt  1  1 
			 Moyle  23  23 
			 Newry and Mourne   1,045 1,865 
			 Newtown Abbey 42  82 3,300 
			 North Down 200 140  775 
			 Omagh   75 225 
			 Strabane 175 53 34 547 
			 Grand total 2,153 3,467 3,100 38,424 
		
	
	Table 2 shows the number of jobs expected to be created as a result of the Start a Business Programme during the past 4 years (2002-03 to 2005-06). This information is not available over a longer time period.
	
		
			  Table 2: Jobs created in business start-ups by district council area (2002-03 to 2005-06) 
			  District council area  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  DCA total 
			 Antrim 53 65 101 92 312 
			 Ards 118 191 199 224 732 
			 Armagh 99 137 161 164 560 
			 Ballymena 77 73 121 92 363 
			 Ballymoney 47 47 82 85 260 
			 Banbridge 85 100 131 142 458 
			 Belfast 243 390 521 478 1,633 
			 Carrickfergus 53 66 111 68 298 
			 Castlereagh 60 87 129 108 384 
			 Coleraine 74 86 160 133 452 
			 Cookstown 70 87 127 116 400 
			 Craigavon 114 172 248 225 759 
			 Derry 165 260 459 325 1,209 
			 Down 118 198 300 257 874 
			 Dungannon 98 138 191 176 602 
			 Fermanagh 116 185 291 263 854 
			 Larne 69 72 111 101 352 
			 Limavady 59 83 146 122 410 
			 Lisburn 190 157 209 205 762 
			 Magherafelt 121 131 166 189 607 
			 Moyle 17 17 52 57 143 
			 Newry and Mourne 199 181 346 260 985 
			 Newtown Abbey 100 178 174 179 632 
			 North Down 105 161 173 146 585 
			 Omagh 78 90 131 151 450 
			 Strabane 51 78 103 99 330 
			 Total 2,579 3,430 4,943 4,457 15,406

Irish Language

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will seek to legislate to provide legal protection for the Irish language; and if he will make a statement.

Maria Eagle: The Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and the UK Government's signature of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages underpin Government support for minority languages in Northern Ireland, including Irish. It is considered that the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and the Charter provide a suitable framework for the development of linguistic diversity.
	The Government have no plans at present to introduce a Northern Ireland Language Bill. This could instead be a matter for a returned NI Assembly to consider.

Knife Amnesty

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what further efforts are planned to publicise the knife amnesty recently announced by the Northern Ireland Office.

David Hanson: The campaign to tackle knife crime in Northern Ireland including the introduction of a three week amnesty was launched on Wednesday 24 May. This received significant attention from all the main media outlets in Northern Ireland. A list of the amenity sites where bins for collection of knives are situated was provided to the media and the police have established a helpline to provide information to anyone who wishes to surrender a knife.
	In addition, relevant information has been provided to both District Policing Partnerships and Community Safety Partnerships to allow them to provide information to local media and the public at district council levels. I know that a number of them have already taken that opportunity.
	I am confident that over the next three weeks everyone in Northern Ireland will have been given an opportunity to surrender any knife which they do not have a legitimate reason to hold and sufficient information as to how they can do this. I would urge everyone falling into this category to do so.

Lakewood School

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the consultees in relation to the proposed move of Lakewood School in Bangor to Childhaven near Millisle in County Down; and what the nature was of the consultation.

Paul Goggins: Children who are currently accommodated in the Lakewood Centre will shortly move to Craigmore children's home (formerly named Childhaven) in Millisle and North Road children's home in Belfast. The Lakewood School will not transfer to Millisle, and interim arrangements will be put in place before September to meet the education needs of these children.
	The accommodation of these children in Craigmore and North Road is a temporary measure whilst the Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust commissions two new intensive support units, and all appropriate safeguards will be put in place. As Craigmore is currently registered as a children's home, and there will be no change in function, public consultation has not been carried out. However, staff from the Lakewood Centre met with local residents on 18 May 2006 and a further meeting is due to take place on 1 June to address any concerns they may have.

Loyalist Violence Arrests

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many arrests were made in relation to loyalist violence between 10 and 17 September.

Shaun Woodward: The Police Service of Northern Ireland arrested 82 people in relation to the public disorder which blighted loyalist areas between 10 and 17 September 2005.

Lung Cancer

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he plans to take to improve the survival  (a) terms and  (b) rates of lung cancer patients in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Goggins: The Government and the DHSSPS are committed to improving the survival terms and rates for all cancers including lung cancer. This commitment is underpinned in the Department's Public Service Agreement which aims to increase the five-year survival rate for lung cancer by five per cent. of the 1993-95 figure by 2010.
	The Department in partnership with the Northern Ireland Cancer Network is taking forward work on a number of fronts which have the potential to both increase survival terms and improve survival rates for lung cancer patients. These include:
	the provision of better information for lung cancer patients;
	the development of GP referrals guidelines and improved primary care pathways for those suspected of having lung cancer, and;
	further improvements in oncology protocols for the treatment of lung cancers.

Mental Health

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many psychiatrists per head of population are needed in Northern Ireland to provide adequate service across all mental health areas; what is being done to encourage psychiatrists  (a) to come to Northern Ireland and  (b) to train in this field of medicine.

Paul Goggins: We will be looking to the reports from the Bamford Review of Mental Health and Learning Disability to inform us on future workforce needs across all professions for mental health services. We will also take account of the changes in team working practices outlined in the New Ways of Working report.
	In recent years there has been no difficulty in attracting applicants to the specialty of psychiatry.

Mental Health

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many  (a) young children and  (b) young adults are unsuitably accommodated in adult psychiatric units in each health board area.

Paul Goggins: The number of children and young people aged under 18 who are accommodated in adult psychiatric units in each health board is detailed in the table.
	
		
			  Health Board  Number 
			 Eastern 8 
			 Northern 5 
			 Southern 5 
			 Western 5 
			 Northern Ireland Total 14 
			  Notes:  1. Figures are as at 30 April 2006.  2. Figures include those on home leave.  3. Please note that cell sizes that have a value of less than 5 have been masked in order to help protect confidentiality.   Source:  HSS Trusts.

Mental Health

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many of the current intake of student nurses at Queen's University Belfast have indicated their intention to specialise in psychiatric nursing; and what assessment he has made of the extent to which this meets the number of nurses required in this field of nursing.

Paul Goggins: There are currently 120 pre-registration student nurses specialising in mental health nursing at Queen's University Belfast, from a total of 1,320. There are a further 113 students specialising in mental health nursing at the University of Ulster or through the Open University. A recent review of the Mental Health and Learning Disability work force indicates the need for further investment in the training of a range of staff in this work force. A recruitment drive for mental health nursing was taken forward by Queen's University and the Department in 2004. This has resulted in substantially increased applications for training in mental health nursing.

Mental Health

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress is being made in providing  (a) sufficient facilities and  (b) adequate professional and nursing expertise for children and young adults with psychiatric needs in each board area.

Paul Goggins: It is the responsibility of the four Health and Social Services boards to assess the needs of their populations and prioritise their resources, both facilities and work force, to best meet those needs. Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services are provided by each of the boards, while access to specialist services, including in-patient care, is commissioned on a regional or multi-district basis.
	An interim Regional Adolescent In-patient Unit at Knockbracken is now open for admissions. A new 18-bed mental health adolescent in-patient unit is to be built by 2008-09, with the intention that it will be subsequently linked to a new replacement 15-bed child psychiatric unit at the Forster Green hospital site.
	The Children and Young People's Funding Package, which was announced in March, will strengthen Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service provision by providing funding to establish two to three Child and Adolescent Crisis Response Teams across Northern Ireland. The four boards are currently developing a proposal on the establishment and locations of these teams to best respond to need.

Mental Health

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent research he has commissioned into levels of social stigma attached to people who present forms of mental illness; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Goggins: An inter-departmental group has been identifying and tackling the factors, including stigma, which can contribute to the social exclusion of people with mental health problems and a report will be issued for consultation in the summer.

Missed Hospital Appointments

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many missed hospital appointments there were in each health trust in the Province over the last 12 months.

Paul Goggins: The total number of missed hospital appointments in the financial year 2004-05 for each health trust is provided in the following table. These figures represent the number of out-patient appointments where a patient did not attend and failed to give advance warning to the hospital.
	
		
			  HSS trust  Number of missed appointments 
			 Altnagelvin Group 16,788 
			 Armagh and Dungannon 2,519 
			 Belfast City Hospital 22,283 
			 Causeway 5,080 
			 Craigavon Area Hospital Group 13,416 
			 Craigavon and Banbridge Community 2,010 
			 Down Lisburn 6,558 
			 Foyle Community 1,884 
			 Green Park Healthcare 8,169 
			 Homefirst Community 4,251 
			 Mater Infirmorum 12,302 
			 Newry and Mourne 8,934 
			 North and West Belfast 419 
			 Royal Group of Hospitals 51,100 
			 South and East Belfast 2,890 
			 Sperrin Lakeland 6,043 
			 Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust 19,951 
			 United Hospitals Group 13,141 
			   
			 Northern Ireland 197,738 
			  Source:  Departmental Information Return KH09

MRI Scans

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans there are for introducing MRI scans of young people in Northern Ireland where there is a familial history of arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplastia; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Goggins: Relatives of those diagnosed with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) are advised to undertake testing for this condition. There is no single diagnostic test for the condition and investigation involves a series of tests, one of which includes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart.
	Provision for those patients who require cardiac MRI scanning is currently provided at the Belfast City hospital. Some patients are also referred to other centres in the UK (London or Oxford).

Murals

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure is taking to assist communities in promoting cultural and historic artistic murals to replace those of a militaristic and paramilitary type.

Maria Eagle: The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is taking forward a project entitled Re-imaging Communities which will focus on the replacement of paramilitary murals and other offensive items with new and more positive imagery. The priority areas are housing estates, peace lines and interface areas and derelict public spaces throughout Northern Ireland. The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure has secured 2 million for this project over the period 2006-08. The Arts Council is seeking additional funding from other sources.
	The Arts Council is also delivering a project entitled If Walls Could Talk. The aim of this project is to transform the peace line along Cupar Way into a world-class exhibition space for public art and to stimulate the development of arts in the Shankill area. This project is due to commence in 2006-07 and 170,000 per annum is available over two years.
	The Ulster Scots Agency encourages communities to engage in promoting cultural and historic artistic murals to replace those of a militaristic and paramilitary type and the Agency will consider applications for financial assistance where there is an Ulster Scots theme.

Music Therapy

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will estimate how many  (a) schools and  (b) children have been involved in the Arioso music therapy project in Northern Ireland.

Paul Goggins: The Arioso music therapy project covers 17 schools for severe learning disability across Northern Ireland, and provides a service to around 260 children each week.

National Development Plan

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what input the Northern Ireland Office will have into the National Development Plan in preparation in the Republic of Ireland, with particular reference to border regions; and if he will make a statement.

David Hanson: The National Development Plan is a matter for the Government of the Republic of Ireland. The two Governments are committed to working closely together to identify ways they can maximise the mutual benefits of co-operation across a broad range of issues. These reflect substantial contacts through the North-South bodies and in areas of mutual co-operation, such as economic development, health, higher education, infrastructure and spatial development. The actions planned by both Governments to maximise the benefits of such co-operation will be reflected in their respective strategic plans to promote economic and social development.

Northern Ireland Civil Service

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to the answer of 29 April 2006,  Official Report, columns 700-01W, on the Northern Ireland Civil Service, which Northern Ireland departments have vacancies at  (a) AO,  (b) EOII,  (c) EOI,  (d) SO and  (e) DP grades, broken down by parliamentary constituency.

David Hanson: Details of vacancies, in Northern Ireland departments, at  (a) AO,  (b) EOII,  (c) EOI  (d) SO and  (e) DP grades, broken down by parliamentary constituency have been placed in the Library. These figures relate to vacancies for which Departments have current financial provision and are within the departmental headcount.
	The tables also show identified surpluses for each grade.

Northern Ireland Civil Service

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the total cost was to the public purse of Civil Service away-days for his Office in each of the last three years, broken down by Government Department.

Paul Goggins: The Department did not capture information at this level through financial coding for financial years 2003-04 and 2004-05, so to provide this would incur a disproportionate cost. A total of 57,243.92 was spent on development days in the Northern Ireland Office in financial year 2005-06. This equates to approximately 150 per head for the total number of staff involved. Development days are used for training and team building.

Northern Ireland Fire Rescue Order

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Fire Authority on the impact on costs of the provisions of the Northern Ireland Fire Rescue Order 2006.

Paul Goggins: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 16 May 2006,  Official Report, column 877W. As explained in my answer, the requirements of the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 will not have any significant bearing on the associated costs of the Fire and Rescue Service.
	The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has been fully consulted about the provisions contained in the Fire and Rescue Services Order.
	The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, which is the sponsor Department for the Service, has ongoing discussions with senior officers in the Service about resourcing issues.

Nuclear Power

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the development of nuclear power in Northern Ireland.

Maria Eagle: The Strategic Energy Framework does not anticipate nuclear new build in Northern Ireland. Energy policy in Northern Ireland is currently focussed on building the all-island market which will offer further options in terms of security and diversity of supply, and on expanding the role of renewables.
	The Secretary of State's recently-launched 60 million Environment and Renewable Energy Fund will make Northern Ireland an exemplar region in the use of renewable energy.
	We are also driving forward on energy efficiency, having set a target of reducing electricity consumption by 1 per cent. per year from 2007. The Environment and Renewable Energy Fund also provides an additional 11 million for energy efficiency in Northern Ireland.
	Work to mainstream renewables is also being taken forward in collaboration with the Republic of Ireland through the 2020 Vision launched by both Governments last July.

Paediatric Cardiology

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average waiting time was for an initial paediatric cardiology assessment in the Province in the last period for which figures are available.

Paul Goggins: Waiting list information is collected by time band. It is therefore not possible to calculate the arithmetic mean (average) length of time waiting. It is however possible to identify the median or mid-point waiting time band. Current median (average) waiting times for children waiting an initial paediatric cardiology outpatient assessment, in each applicable Health and Social Services Trust, are shown in the following table:
	
		
			  HSS trust  Median waiting times for an outpatient paediatric cardiology assessment (months) 
			 Royal Group of Hospitals 7 
			 United Hospitals 6-9 
			 Craigavon Area Hospital Group 3-5 
			 Altnagelvin Group 3-5 
			 Causeway Within 2 
			 Ulster Community and Hospitals 30

Paramilitaries

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether activity by  (a) loyalist and  (b) republican paramilitaries is considered to be a threat to national security; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Goggins: It is the activities, not the affiliation, of particular groups that determines whether they represent a threat to national security.

Perinatal Mental Health Teams

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made towards establishing specialist perinatal mental health teams to serve each health board area in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Goggins: In Northern Ireland care for those suffering from perinatal mental health problems including psychiatric illness takes place at all levels within the health care system (psychiatric services, maternity and child welfare services and primary health care).
	However, the ongoing Bamford Review of Mental Health and Learning Disability has recommended that A regional specialist mental health services should be established for women with mental health problems occurring in the perinatal period. This is being considered in light of the wider findings of the review, which deals with a number of highly complex issues. I hope to publish my response to this and other recommendations of the review by the end of this year.

Personal Protection Weapons

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people in Northern Ireland are in possession of on-loan personal protection weapons.

Paul Goggins: The Chief Constable has informed me that at 1 April 2006, 867 persons were in possession of on loan personal protection weapons. The General Officer Commanding informs me that, as at the 12 May 2006, there were 217 Army Department PPWs issued to army personnel; and the Northern Ireland Prison Service has 688 PPWs on loan to Prisons personnel.

Planning

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 
	(1)  how many management board referrals of planning applications have been made by each district council in Northern Ireland in each of the last three years;
	(2)  how many management board referrals of planning applications by each district council in Northern Ireland in each of the last three years  (a) have proved successful,  (b) have proved unsuccessful and  (c) are pending.

David Cairns: Details of the number of planning applications referred to the Planning Service Management Board in each of the last three years are in the following tables:
	
		
			  Management Board Referrals (MBRs) for 2003 
			  District/borough council  Total number of MBRs  Number where Division's opinion was overturned  Number where Division's opinion was upheld  Number which are still pending 
			 Antrim 0 0 0 0 
			 Ards 11 1 10 0 
			 Armagh 0 0 0 0 
			 Ballymena 3 0 3 0 
			 Ballymoney 2 0 2 0 
			 Banbridge 0 0 0 0 
			 Belfast 2 0 2 0 
			 Carrickfergus 4 0 4 0 
			 Castlereagh 2 0 2 0 
			 Coleraine 2 0 2 0 
			 Cookstown 1 0 1 0 
			 Craigavon 3 0 3 0 
			 Derry 0 0 0 0 
			 Down 0 0 0 0 
			 Dungannon and South  Tyrone 1 0 1 0 
			 Fermanagh 6 0 6 0 
			 Larne 4 0 4 0 
			 Limavady 0 0 0 0 
			 Lisburn 9 2 7 0 
			 Magherafelt 18 1 17 0 
			 Moyle 10 1 9 0 
			 Newry and Mourne 19 0 19 0 
			 Newtownabbey 4 0 4 0 
			 North Down 14 1 13 0 
			 Omagh 19 0 19 0 
			 Strabane 0 0 0 0 
			 Total 134 6 128 0 
		
	
	
		
			  Management Board Referrals (MBRs) for 2004 
			  District/borough council  Total number of MBRs  Number where Division's opinion was overturned  Number where Division's opinion was upheld  Number which are still pending 
			 Antrim 0 0 0 0 
			 Ards 7 0 7 0 
			 Armagh 1 1 0 0 
			 Ballymena 1 0 1 0 
			 Ballymoney 1 0 1 0 
			 Banbridge 1 0 1 0 
			 Belfast 3 0 3 0 
			 Carrickfergus 3 0 3 0 
			 Castlereagh 4 0 4 0 
			 Coleraine 5 0 5 0 
			 Cookstown 10 0 9 1 
			 Craigavon 3 0 3 0 
			 Derry 0 0 0 0 
			 Down 0 0 0 0 
			 Dungannon and South  Tyrone 1 0 1 0 
			 Fermanagh 3 0 3 0 
			 Larne 9 0 8 1 
			 Limavady 1 0 1 0 
			 Lisburn 13 0 12 1 
			 Magherafelt 5 0 5 0 
			 Moyle 4 0 4 0 
			 Newry and Mourne 18 1 17 0 
			 Newtownabbey 3 0 3 0 
			 North Down 13 3 10 0 
			 Omagh 99 1 97 1 
			 Strabane 0 0 0 0 
			 Total 208 6 198 4 
		
	
	
		
			  Management Board Referrals (MBRs) for 2005 
			  District/borough council  Total number of MBRs  Number where Division's opinion was overturned  Number where Division's opinion was upheld  Number which are still pending 
			 Antrim 3 0 2 1 
			 Ards 3 0 3 0 
			 Armagh 0 0 0 0 
			 Ballymena 1 0 1 0 
			 Ballymoney 3 0 3 0 
			 Banbridge 0 0 0 0 
			 Belfast 4 0 3 1 
			 Carrickfergus 5 1 4 0 
			 Castlereagh 6 0 6 0 
			 Coleraine 0 0 0 0 
			 Cookstown 2 0 2 0 
			 Craigavon 0 0 0 0 
			 Derry 0 0 0 0 
			 Down 1 0 1 0 
			 Dungannon and South  Tyrone 0 0 0 0 
			 Fermanagh 0 0 0 0 
			 Larne 6 0 6 0 
			 Limavady 0 0 0 0 
			 Lisburn 170 1 167 2 
			 Magherafelt 4 0 4 0 
			 Moyle 11 0 11 0 
			 Newry and Mourne 3 0 3 0 
			 Newtownabbey 1 0 1 0 
			 North Down 4 0 4 0 
			 Omagh 14 0 14 0 
			 Strabane 4 0 4 0 
			 Total 245 2 239 4 
		
	
	
		
			  Management Board Referrals (MBRs) for 2006 (to 26 May) 
			  District/borough council  Total number of MBRs  Number where Division's opinion was overturned  Number where Division's opinion was upheld  Number which are still pending 
			 Antrim 2 0 2 0 
			 Ards 0 0 0 0 
			 Armagh 0 0 0 0 
			 Ballymena 1 0 0 1 
			 Ballymoney 0 0 0 0 
			 Banbridge 1 0 1 0 
			 Belfast 0 0 0 0 
			 Carrickfergus 0 0 0 0 
			 Castlereagh 1 0 1 0 
			 Coleraine 6 0 2 4 
			 Cookstown 0 0 0 0 
			 Craigavon 1 0 0 1 
			 Derry 0 0 0 0 
			 Down 0 0 0 0 
			 Dungannon and South  Tyrone 0 0 1 0 
			 Fermanagh 0 0 0 0 
			 Larne 2 0 2 0 
			 Limavady 0 0 0 0 
			 Lisburn 2 0 2 0 
			 Magherafelt 0 0 0 0 
			 Moyle 0 0 0 0 
			 Newry and Mourne 1 0 0 1 
			 Newtownabbey 0 0 0 0 
			 North Down 2 0 2 0 
			 Omagh 0 0 0 0 
			 Strabane 0 0 0 0 
			 Total 19 0 13 6

Planning Applications (Health Factors)

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will consider the merits of the introduction of a medical expert to advise on planning applications linked to health issues.

David Cairns: The merits of the introduction of a medical expert to advise on planning applications linked to health issues, has been carefully considered on two previous occasions, where it was concluded on each occasion that such an expert should not be used. On this basis I have no plans to reconsider the issue.

Plastic Surgeons

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many whole-time equivalent plastic surgeons are employed by the NHS in Northern Ireland.

Paul Goggins: The information requested is presented in the following table.
	
		
			  Plastic surgeons employed within the NI HPSS by grade as at 31 March 2006 
			  Grade  Headcount  Whole-time equivalent 
			 Consultant 8 8.00 
			 Specialist Registrar 9 9.00 
			 Total 17 17.00 
			  Source:  Human Resource Management System.

Police

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many police drivers in Northern Ireland have been  (a) disciplined and  (b) relieved of driving duties in each of the last three years.

Paul Goggins: The Police Service of Northern Ireland do not hold a central record of police drivers disciplined or relieved of driving duty. To obtain such details would require a manual trawl of officers' files across all district command units and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Policing Board

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the  (a) (i) status and (ii) powers and  (b) payments to members of the Policing Board in Northern Ireland will be from 25 November 2006.

Paul Goggins: While section 1 of the Northern Ireland Act 2000 (suspension of devolved Government in Northern Ireland) is in force part II of schedule 1 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 applies to the membership of the Northern Ireland Policing Board. Under this part of the Act the current membership of the Policing Board came into effect on 1 April 2006 for a term of four years.
	On restoration of the Assembly part III of schedule 1 of the Police (NI) Act 2000 requires the Policing Board to be reconstituted and in these circumstances new terms of appointment would be issued to all members of the newly reconstituted Board.

Policing Board

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much the police board in Northern Ireland spent on advertising for recruitment of police officers during 2005.

Paul Goggins: The policing board for Northern Ireland is responsible for the appointment of senior police officers, at the ranks chief constable and assistant chief constable. I am advised that during 2005 the policing board spent 7,249.75 to advertise an assistant chief constable post which was filled in 2006.

Primary to Post-Primary Transfer

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects to receive a definitive proposed format for the pupil profile from the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment to guide the transfer of pupils from primary to post-primary schools in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

Maria Eagle: An independent evaluation of the current trial of the Pupil Profile will report back via the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment at the end of July 2006. The outcomes of this evaluation will inform the finalised format of the Key Stage 2 Pupil Profile, which it is intended will be introduced for Year 5 pupils from September 2007.

Prisoners' Compensation

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much in compensation has been paid to  (a) serving and  (b) remand prisoners in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years.

Paul Goggins: The Northern Ireland Prison Service does not hold separate records for remand and sentenced prisoners for the purpose of compensation claims. The tables indicate total compensation paid to prisoners in each of the last five years.
	
		
			   Total paid () 
			 2001 89,594.65 
			 2002 126,666.23 
			 2003 192,701.84 
			 2004 661,522.37 
			 2005 45,480.35 
		
	
	
		
			  Claim settlements in excess of 10,000 
			  Name  Location  Allegation  DOI  Amount ()  Date paid 
			 David Brown Maghaberry Assault by prisoners 28 October 1998 10,000.00 10 October 2001 
			 Joseph Ferguson Belfast Smoke inhalation 14 October 1995 18,427.21 (this figure includes payment of CRU = 15,427.21) 25 June 2002 
			 Robert Davidson Maze Assault by officerstunnel 23 March 1997 10,000.00 27 June 2002 
			 David Clarke Magilligan Accident 7 January 1997 10,000.00 26 June 2003 
			 Robert McDougall Maze Assault by inmates 17 February1997 20,000.00 1 December 2003 
			 Eugene McKee Maze Assault by officerstunnel 23 March 1997 85,000.00 (this figure includes payment of CRU = 30,349.52) 14 February 2003 
			 Paul Kean Belfast Medical claim 25 December 1994 500,000.00 (this figure includes payment of CRU = 51,037.86) 19 February 2004 
			 Samuel Henry Maghaberry Accident 16 October 1995 12,500.00 11 October 2004 
			 Joseph Cassidy Magilligan Smoke inhalation 16 February 1999 15,783.68 13 February 2004 
			 James Davidson Magilligan Accident 30 August 1998 26,977.79 10 March 2004 
			 Dominic Nicholl Maze Assault by officerstunnel 27 March 1997 12,880.35 (this figure includes payment of CRU = 12,380.35) 28 April 2005

Prisons

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the decision by the Director of Custodian Services at the Juvenile Justice Centre at Bangor not to recognise representation of Prison Officers Association staff during the review of work practices.

David Hanson: The Prison Officers Association have lodged an application before the Industrial Court and the matter is currently under consideration. It would therefore not be appropriate to comment further.

Private Members' Bills

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list those Private Members' Bills in respect of which his Department has adopted a policy of neutrality in each Session since 2001-02; and if he will make a statement.

Peter Hain: There have been no such Bills relating to Northern Ireland.

Prostate Cancer

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of males over the age of 75 in Northern Ireland are estimated to have prostate cancer.

Paul Goggins: The following table details information on the prevalence(1) of prostate cancer (ICD-10 C61) in Northern Ireland since 1993.
	
		
			   Aged 75 and over 
			 Prevalence of prostate cancer(1) 899 
			 Male population(2) 38,880 
			 Percentage of population living with prostate cancer 2.31 
			 (1) Prevalence has been estimated by counting the number of patients diagnosed between 1 January 1993 and 31 December 2003 with prostate cancer, who were still alive on 31 December 2003. This may represent an undercount of the actual number of people living with prostate cancer as those diagnosed prior to 1993 and still alive at the end of 2003 are not included. (2) 2004 Mid-year population estimate, NISRA 
		
	
	This information has been provided by the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry and is the most up to date currently available.

Psychology Degrees

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many students have graduated in psychology from universities in the Province in each of the last five years.

Maria Eagle: The information requested is as follows:
	
		
			  Qualifications obtained in the psychology subject area at NI higher education institutions 2000-01 to 2004-05 
			  Academic year  Qualifications obtained 
			 2000-01 371 
			 2001-02 329 
			 2002-03 394 
			 2003-04 380 
			 2004-05 416 
			  Source:  HESA 
		
	
	Psychology is commonly studied alongside other disciplines. Accordingly a procedure of apportionment is used from 2002-03 onwards to allocate students to specific subject areas, by dividing each headcount in a way that reflects the pattern of split programmes. The figures therefore refer to a full-person equivalent value. Prior to 2002-03, enrolments split equally between two or more subject areas were assigned to the combined subject group and are not included in this table.

Public Bodies

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the religious affiliation is of each member of each public body in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

David Hanson: Individuals appointed to the boards of non-departmental public bodies in Northern Ireland are not required to declare their religious affiliation, however, they are asked to provide, on a voluntary basis, details of their community background. This information is sought for monitoring purposes only and forms no part of the selection process. Disclosure of this information by reference to each public body in Northern Ireland would contravene the data protection principles set out in the Data Protection Act 1998.
	An overview of the community background of both applicants and appointees to bodies sponsored by Northern Ireland's 11 Government Departments can be found in the Public Appointments Annual Report, and similar details in respect of NIO sponsored bodies is included in the NIO Departmental Report. Copies of the latest versions of both these reports are available from the Library of the House and can be found on the Internet at www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/public-appointments and www.nio.gov.uk/nio_departmental_report_2006.pdf respectively.

Public Sector Wages

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to the answer of 3 May 2006,  Official Report, column 1636W, on average annual industrial wages, what the change was in average wage levels in the public sector between 1995 and 2005.

Maria Eagle: Average gross weekly earnings in Northern Ireland for full-time employees in the public sector are available from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) and are provided in the table(1).
	(1) Please note, ASHE statistics prior to 1997 are currently not available.
	
		
			   Median gross weekly earnings ()( 1)  Annual percentage change 
			 1997 358.7 ? 
			 1998 380.3 6.0 
			 1999 387.2 1.8 
			 2000 407.8 5.3 
			 2001 407.8 0.0 
			 2002 427.2 4.8 
			 2003 439.9 3.0 
			 2004(2) 469.4 (2)n/a 
			 2005(2) 489.0 4.2 
			 (1) Please note that the above information relates to full-time employees on adult rates whose pay for the survey pay-period was not affected by absence.  (2) Estimates for 2004 and 2005 are based on an improved methodology as recommended in the Office for National Statistics review of Distribution of Earnings Statistics. Accordingly, estimates for 2004 are not available on an equivalent basis to earlier years.

Public Toilets (Vandalism)

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the cost of repairing vandalism to public toilets under the ownership of Government Departments in Northern Ireland was during 2005.

David Cairns: The cost of repairing vandalism to public toilets under the ownership of Government Departments in Northern Ireland in 2005 was approximately 12,000.

Pupil Absences

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average number of  (a) unauthorised and  (b) total days was that a pupil was off school in each education board in the Province over each of the last five years.

Maria Eagle: Statistics on unauthorised absence are not available. Overall absence rates for primary and post primary schools are provided in the following tables.
	
		
			  Percentage rate of absence for primary schools in Northern Ireland by education and library board area, 2000/01?204/05 
			  Education and library board area  2000/01  2001/02  2002/03  2003/04  2004/05 
			 Belfast 8.2 7.7 8.5 7.6 8.0 
			 North Eastern 4.0 3.9 4.5 4.8 4.8 
			 South Eastern 5.0 4.5 4.9 4.4 4.7 
			 Southern 4.2 4.5 4.5 4.7 4.6 
			 Western 4.5 4.5 4.9 4.4 4.7 
			 Northern Ireland 5.2 5.0 5.6 5.2 5.2 
		
	
	
		
			  Percentage rate of absence for post-primary schools in Northern Ireland by education and library board area, 2000/01?2004/05 
			  Education and library board area  2000/01  2001/02  2002/03  2003/04  2004/05 
			 Belfast 8.4 8.1 8.0 8.0 7.6 
			 North Eastern 7.3 7.3 7.2 7.4 7.2 
			 South Eastern 8.2 8.1 7.9 7.8 7.8 
			 Southern 7.4 7.4 7.5 7.4 7.3 
			 Western 7.5 7.4 7.2 7.2 7.3 
			 Northern Ireland 7.7 7.6 7.6 7.5 7.4

Pupil Injuries (Compensation)

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to the answer of 24 April 2006,  Official Report, column 887W, on pupil injuries (compensation), to how many incidents in each of the last five years the figures for compensation relate; which Northern Ireland schools recorded injuries that resulted in compensation payments; and how much was paid out in compensation in each school.

Maria Eagle: The figures provided have now been updated to reflect the final 2005-06 position and relate to 183 incidents. The table, which has now been placed in the Library, shows, for each year, the number of incidents by funding authority; the overall amounts; and the schools involved. It would not be appropriate to provide details of compensation at individual school level simply because, given the very small numbers, this would allow amounts to be linked to individual pupils.
	i

Railway Security

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for how long the railway line between Lisburn and Portadown was closed as a result of the security alert on 24 May; and how many passengers were re-directed onto buses.

David Cairns: I can advise that the line between Lisburn and Portadown was closed three times on 24 May during the following hours:
	06.00-08.24
	11.25-21.10
	22.45-23.37
	As a result of the line closures approximately 1,600 passengers were carried on buses to continue their local journeys between Portadown, Lurgan, Moira and Lisburn. In addition approximately 2,250 passengers were carried in buses between Newry and Belfast as a result of disruptions to 16 cross-border Enterprise services.

Real IRA/ Continuity IRA

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the threat posed by the  (a) Real IRA and  (b) Continuity IRA to the security of the people of Northern Ireland.

Paul Goggins: The 10th IMC Report states that:
	RIRA continues efforts to recruit and train members. It has a continuing aspiration to arm and equip itself. We believe that although RIRA's level of activity is not very high it is still engaged in efforts to maintain its position as a paramilitary organisation.
	CIRA remains committed to terrorism. Looking back over about a year, it has been the most active of the dissident groups. We conclude that it remains an active threat and that it will undertake serious acts of violence if it is able to do so.
	I fully concur with the IMC report. In addition it is clear that effective action is being taken by the PSNI with support from military colleagues to eradicate dissident activity. This excellent work has resulted in three stymied attacks in the past month.

Road Service

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 
	(1)  how much road service funding has been allocated to each district council area in Northern Ireland in each of the last five financial years;
	(2)  how much road service funding has been allocated to  (a) bridge strengthening programmes and  (b) road maintenance and resurfacing in each district council area in Northern Ireland in each of the last five financial years.

David Cairns: The chief executive of roads service, Dr. Malcolm McKibbin has been asked to write to the hon. Lady in response to these questions.
	 Letter from Dr. Malcolm McKibbin, dated 2 June 2006:
	You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland two Parliamentary Questions regarding how much Road Service funding has been allocated to each district council area in Northern Ireland in each of the last five financial years; and, how much Road Service funding has been allocated to (a) bridge strengthening programmes and (b) road maintenance and resurfacing in each district council area in Northern Ireland in each of the last five financial years.
	I have been asked to reply as these issues fall within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service.
	The following table at Annex 1 shows the total expenditure incurred by Roads Service on capital (major and minor) road improvement schemes and on maintenance activities during the period 2000/01-2004/05. Expenditure details by district council area for 2005/06 are not yet available.
	In providing this information, I should like to emphasise that Roads Service does not simply apportion its total budget for capital and maintenance expenditure equally across district council areas. In particular, major road improvements are prioritised on a country-wide basis, not on a district council basis, taking account of a broad range of criteria such as strategic planning policy, traffic flows, number of accidents, potential travel save times, environmental impact and value for money. While the actual spend on a major works scheme may be within one council area, the benefits of such schemes are not confined to the district council area or constituency in which they are located.
	The resources available for minor capital schemes are allocated to the four Roads Service Divisions and, in turn, apportioned across district council areas on a needs-based priority approach using indicators such as population, weighted road lengths and the number of accidents. -This ensures, so far as possible, an equitable distribution of funds across the country. Similarly the resources available for each maintenance activity (e.g. resurfacing, patching, gully emptying, grass cutting etc) are apportioned to district council areas using appropriate indicators of need.
	You also asked for a separate breakdown of funding in relation to bridge strengthening programmes and roads maintenance and resurfacing. The attached table at Annex 2 details the information per district council area in the years 2000/01-2004/05. Again, expenditure details by district council area for 2005/06 are not yet available.
	
		
			  Annex 1: Total roads service expenditure from 2000-01 to 2004-05 
			  000 
			  District council  2000-01  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05 
			 Antrim 3,996 4,892 13,688 15,042 8,865 
			 Coleraine 5,092 5,632 4,673 6,310 6,515 
			 Limavady 2,908 4,328 12,189 7,045 5,771 
			 Moyle 1,926 1,278 1,661 1,959 2,168 
			 Ballymoney 3,093 2,600 2,944 3,032 3,390 
			 Londonderry 6,492 8,210 10,299 10,148 14,980 
			 Ballymena 8,042 6,426 4,970 6,078 6,279 
			 Larne 2,439 2,172 2,817 4,388 2,966 
			 Belfast 21,092 25,918 24,392 23,338 35,283 
			 Castlereagh 3,450 3,739 2,689 2,991 3,730 
			 Newtownabbey 4,453 4,608 5,987 8,085 9,370 
			 Carrickfergus 1,977 2,121 2,038 1,977 2,046 
			 North Down 3,350 3,527 5,015 4,570 3,719 
			 Lisburn 5,532 6,379 7,533 9,290 10,466 
			 Ards 3,377 3,777 6,095 7,232 5,520 
			 Armagh 5,648 5,428 5,223 6,429 8,424 
			 Newry and  Mourne 5,726 7,108 6,441 14,849 27,489 
			 Banbridge 3,264 3,923 4,837 7,853 7,708 
			 Craigavon 6,915 7,848 6,401 7,202 9,353 
			 Down 4,476 5,992 5,169 5,808 6,763 
			 Magherafelt 2,854 2,939 3,329 4,086 4,993 
			 Omagh 5,498 6,485 7,449 8,414 12,374 
			 Strabane 5,903 8,960 12,185 6,885 7,586 
			 Cookstown 2,749 2,947 3,137 3,955 3,974 
			 Fermanagh 6,265 6,209 6,717 8,624 10,484 
			 Dungannon 4,680 5,344 5,404 7,784 8,953 
			 Overall total 131,197 148,790 173,282 193,374 229,169 
		
	
	
		
			  Annex 2:Roads services expenditure for bridge strengthening and road maintenance 2000-2005 
			  000 
			   2000-01  2001-02 
			  District council area  Bridge strengthening programmes  Total maintenance  Bridge strengthening programmes  Total maintenance 
			 Antrim 42 2,804 187 3,571 
			 Ballymena 323 3,555 78 4,350 
			 Carrickfergus 25 1,669 9 1,846 
			 Larne 20 2,161 8 1,907 
			 Magherafelt 108 1,969 49 2,107 
			 Belfast 1,780 11,927 7,278 13,496 
			 Castlereagh 18 2,438 3 2,519 
			 Newtownabbey 16 3,219 61 3,011 
			 Ballymoney 54 1,923 38 1,986 
			 Coleraine 62 2,898 77 3,723 
			 Limavady 169 2,132 38 2,331 
			 Londonderry 1,415 4,139 2,074 5,745 
			 Moyle 103 1,728 45 1,114 
			 Armagh 414 4,270 322 4,359 
			 Banbridge 60 2,633 17 2,813 
			 Craigavon 760 4,612 1,426 4,050 
			 Newry and Mourne 287 4,466 568 5,456 
			 Ards 31 2,784 35 3,087 
			 Down 128 3,608 123 4,366 
			 Lisburn 76 4,239 56 5,141 
			 North Down 1 2,389 89 2,695 
			 Cookstown 157 1,938 209 2,328 
			 Dungannon 125 3,805 157 4,384 
			 Fermanagh 269 4,233 182 4,911 
			 Omagh 152 4,147 273 5,291 
			 Strabane 1,009 3,628 305 4,044 
			 Total per year 7,604 89,314 13,707 100,631 
		
	
	
		
			   2002-03  2003-04 
			  District council area  Bridge Strengthening Programmes  Total Maintenance  Bridge Strengthening Programmes  Total Maintenance 
			 Antrim 101 3,863 388 4,976 
			 Ballymena 223 4,011 200 5,354 
			 Carrickfergus 41 1,646 201 1,536 
			 Larne 30 2,205 39 2,432 
			 Magherafelt 134 2,668 140 3,449 
			 Belfast 4,914 14,517 219 14,895 
			 Castlereagh 18 2,183 53 2,327 
			 Newtownabbey 104 3,607 34 3,513 
			 Ballymoney 14 2,590 24 2,768 
			 Coleraine 44 3,740 55 5,167 
			 Limavady 87 2,636 21 3,555 
			 Londonderry 2,456 7,290 424 6,067 
			 Moyle 32 1,448 53 1,808 
			 Armagh 114 4,542 316 5,482 
			 Banbridge 49 3,586 50 4,008 
			 Craigavon 357 4,991 553 5,258 
			 Newry and Mourne 361 5,256 1,013 7,069 
			 Ards 220 3,216 47 3,547 
			 Down 100 4,641 56 5,089 
			 Lisburn 110 6,225 56 7,081 
			 North Down 36 4,068 6 4,002 
			 Cookstown 137 2,600 63 3,282 
			 Dungannon 259 4,985 314 7,038 
			 Fermanagh 324 5,822 701 7,461 
			 Omagh 504 5,779 590 7,048 
			 Strabane 172 4,357 171 4,829 
			 Total per year 10,941 112,472 5,787 129,041 
		
	
	
		
			   2004-05 
			  District council area  Bridge Strengthening Programmes  Total Maintenance 
			 Antrim 170 3,913 
			 Ballymena 293 5,020 
			 Carrickfergus 32 1,325 
			 Larne 20 2,316 
			 Magherafelt 249 3,029 
			 Belfast 416 15,123 
			 Castlereagh 47 2,178 
			 Newtownabbey 89 3,676 
			 Ballymoney 94 2,442 
			 Coleraine 73 3,960 
			 Limavady 52 3,156 
			 Londonderry 508 5,655 
			 Moyle 145 1,835 
			 Armagh 372 5,863 
			 Banbridge 19 3,690 
			 Craigavon 1,750 5,380 
			 Newry and Mourne 904 7,567 
			 Ards 26 3,661 
			 Down 67 5,042 
			 Lisburn 124 7,369 
			 North Down 13 2,409 
			 Cookstown 278 3,026 
			 Dungannon 186 5,397 
			 Fermanagh 725 6,809 
			 Omagh 855 6,173 
			 Strabane 238 5,312 
			 Total per year 7,745 121,326 
			  Notes:  1. Spend figures exclude notional costs  2. Bridge strengthening figures include both capital and maintenance costs  3. Total maintenance includes all maintenance costs e.g. structural maintenance (includes resurfacing, reconstruction, surface dressing, patching etc), routine maintenance (grass cutting, gully emptying and environmental work), traffic management and car park maintenance costs.

Road Traffic Accidents

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to the Answer of 11 May 2006,  Official Report, column 507W, on road traffic accidents, to what he attributes the increase in road traffic accidents involving police vehicles in the last three years; and what steps have been taken to reduce the number of accidents.

Paul Goggins: As detailed in the answer to the hon. Gentleman of 11 May 2006, both major and minor traffic collisions have reduced during the period 2003-2005. Only 'slight contact' collisions have increased, and these have only recently been recorded under this category.
	PSNI Transport Services are in the process of fitting over 1,500 vehicle Black Box collision data recorders to PSNI operational vehicles. The black box recorder holds data relating to vehicle speed, emergency operational and vehicle electrical systems in use and ensures accurate information is collected when a vehicle collision occurs. When this system was introduced in the London Metropolitan Police, accidents were reduced by over 20 per cent.
	It should also be noted that all drivers of police vehicles are trained to national driving standards in response driving and advanced driving.

Roads

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much salt was  (a) acquired for use to treat salted road networks and  (b) left unused by the Department for Regional Development in Northern Ireland during the winter of 2005-06.

David Cairns: The Chief Executive of Roads Service (Dr. Malcolm McKibbin) has been asked to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question.
	 Letter from Malcolm McKibbin, dated 30 May 2006:
	You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question regarding how much salt was (a) acquired for use to treat salted road networks and (b) left unused by the Department for Regional Development in Northern Ireland during the winter of 2005-06.
	As this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Roads Service, I have been asked to reply.
	The total salt purchased during the period 1 May 2005-30 April 2006 was 59,270 tonnes. This was in addition to approximately 23,000 tonnes already in storage from the previous year. The total salt left unused at the end of April 2006 was approximately 25,400 tonnes.

Rural Development Council

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the Rural Development Council will be designated as a non-departmental public body under the review of public administration.

David Cairns: The decision not to designate the RDC as an NDPB was taken by the Secretary of State in his announcement on 21 March 2006 about a reduction in public bodies. His statement read that the delivery of rural development functions will transfer to local government while the remaining policy functions of the Rural Development Council will transfer to central Government.

Rural Development Council

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether Rural Development Council staff will be able to transfer to  (a) local government and  (b) central Government agencies with a rural development function.

David Cairns: The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development officials are currently working through what is a complex issue with the RDC and other stakeholders to determine how the council's staff will be affected by the RPA decisions. It is premature therefore to determine what that outcome may be.

School Children

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many school children there are in each education and library board area in Northern Ireland.

Maria Eagle: The requested information is as follows.
	
		
			  Education and library board area  Number of school children in 2005-06 
			 Belfast 59,657 
			 Western 60,308 
			 North Eastern 73,743 
			 South Eastern 65,120 
			 Southern 73,732 
			  Note:  Figures exclude children in voluntary and private pre-school centres, and independent and hospital schools.

School Meals

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in ensuring that all school meals in Northern Ireland offer a healthy balanced diet.

Maria Eagle: The Department of Education, in conjunction with the education and library boards, began the implementation of New Nutritional Standards for School Meals in September 2005. Over 800 schools have now implemented the standards and the remainder will be included by the end of 2006.
	The standards aim to help pupils make healthy choices by providing a range of healthy meals, conveying the meaning and importance of a healthy diet and contributing to a reduction in levels of child obesity.
	It is proposed that the standards programme be extended to include other sources of food in schools, such as tuck shops and vending machines. The Department is currently consulting on the issue of providing only healthy choices in these areas.

Sex Offenders

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people resident in Northern Ireland are on the register of sex offenders; and in how many of those cases the police do not know the offender's current residential address.

David Hanson: pursuant to the reply, 11 May 2006, Official Report, c. 508W
	The information I provided the hon. Gentleman contained an error. The answer should have stated that in 14 of the cases the police do not have a current residential address. The correct answer in full is as follows. I apologise to the hon. Gentleman for this error.
	On 28 April 2006, 644 people in Northern Ireland were subject to the notification requirements of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and in 14 of these cases the police do not have a current residential address. This represents a compliance rate of over 97 per cent.
	In line with the Police Service of Northern Ireland's zero tolerance policy on breaches of the notification requirements of the Sexual Offences Act, all offenders who do not comply are pursued and reported to the Public Prosecution Service with a view to prosecution.

Sheep-worrying (Dogs)

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many dogs have been put down for sheep-worrying under court orders in Northern Ireland in the last five years, broken down by constituency.

David Cairns: Information on the number of dogs put down for sheep-worrying under court orders in Northern Ireland in the last five years is not available by constituency but is provided in the following table by council area.
	
		
			   Number of dogs put down for sheep-worrying 
			  Council name  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005 
			 Antrim 2 3 1 0 0 
			 Newtownards 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Armagh 0 0 0 1 2 
			 Ballymena 0 0 0 1 0 
			 Ballymoney 4 0 0 3 0 
			 Banbridge 0 0 0 1 2 
			 Belfast 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Carrickfergus 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Castlereagh 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Coleraine 1 1 3 4 5 
			 Cookstown 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Craigavon 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Londonderry 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Down 6 0 0 0 0 
			 Dungannon 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Fermanagh 14 12 15 5 9 
			 Larne 1 0 0 0 0 
			 Limavady 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Lisburn 3 0 3 0 0 
			 Magherafelt 0 0 1 2 3 
			 Moyle 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Newry 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Newtown abbey 0 0 0 0 0 
			 North down 0 0 0 0 1 
			 Omagh 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Strabane 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Totals 31 16 23 17 22

Sheep-worrying (Dogs)

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many  (a) reports of and  (b) prosecutions for sheep-worrying dogs there have been in Northern Ireland in the last three years.

David Cairns: Details of the number of reports of sheep-worrying by dogs and prosecutions in respect of sheep-worrying incidents by dogs in Northern Ireland in the last three years are set out in the following table.
	
		
			   Number of reports of sheep worrying  Number of prosecutions for sheep worrying 
			  Council name  2003  2004  2005  2003  2004  2005 
			 Antrim 5 8 10 1 0 0 
			 Newtownards 0 0 0 1 0 0 
			 Armagh 1 23 32 0 1 0 
			 Ballymena 10 8 9 0 4 0 
			 Ballymoney 10 10 3 0 0 0 
			 Banbridge 23 21 23 3 1 2 
			 Belfast 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Carrickfergus 0 1 4 0 0 0 
			 Castlereagh 0 0 0 0 0 0 
			 Coleraine 17 37 14 0 0 0 
			 Cookstown 15 22 11 0 0 0 
			 Craigavon 4 4 4 0 0 0 
			 Londonderry 36 25 20 0 0 0 
			 Down 21 21 20 0 0 0 
			 Dungannon 13 12 16 1 0 0 
			 Fermanagh 55 33 23 1 0 1 
			 Larne 1 3 0 1 1 0 
			 Limavady 5 1 3 0 0 0 
			 Lisburn 12 9 11 0 0 0 
			 Magherafelt 15 9 0 0 0 0 
			 Moyle 6 6 6 0 0 0 
			 Newry 26 19 13 4 0 0 
			 Newtownabbey 2 3 3 0 0 0 
			 North Down 0 0 1 0 0 1 
			 Omagh 22 19 18 0 1 0 
			 Strabane 4 8 15 0 1 0 
			 Total 303 302 259 12 9 4

Sick Leave

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the longest time is that an employee has been on sick leave in each of the health trusts in Northern Ireland in the last five years.

Paul Goggins: The information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Sick Leave

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many sick leave days were taken in Northern Ireland by  (a) doctors,  (b) nurses,  (c) other health professionals and  (d) other employees in each health trust in Northern Ireland in the last five years.

Paul Goggins: Information on the number of sick leave days, in the format requested, is not held centrally. However details supplied directly by Health and Social Services Trusts have been collated and a copy has been placed in the Library.

Sinn Fein/IRA Stormont Spy Ring

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the total cost was of ensuring the safety of people whose details were stolen as part of the Sinn Fein/IRA Stormont spy ring; how many people were advised that their details were included in the Sinn Fein/IRA Stormont spy ring; how many  (a) police officers,  (b) prison officers,  (c) Royal Irish Regiment/Ulster Defence Regiment soldiers,  (d) politicians,  (e) members of the Loyal Orders and  (f) civilians had their details stolen as part of the Sinn Fein/IRA Stormont spy ring; and whether any people whose details were stolen as part of the Sinn Fein/IRA Stormont spy ring were not contacted by the authorities.

Paul Goggins: A full investigation into the total cost of ensuring the safety of all the individuals concerned would be complex and wide-ranging. Such an investigation could not be conducted without incurring disproportionate cost.
	2,195 individuals were informed of their details having been compromised. This included 77 PSNI/ Garda officers, 1,583 prison officers, 13 army personnel and 37 politicians. PSNI advise that details are not available on individuals' membership of Loyal Orders, given its confidential nature, nor are accurate figures on numbers of civilians readily available given difficulties of classification.
	The decision was taken at a senior level in the PSNI as to which individuals should be notified, in the context of the contents of the material obtained, and taking security and human rights considerations into account.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Tourism Ireland plan to emphasise the historical and cultural link between Northern Ireland and the United States of America at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC during July 2007.

Maria Eagle: The Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Tourism Ireland are already working with the Smithsonian Institution and the Smithsonian Associates to maximise the tourism opportunities which the 2007 Folklife Festival will present. The overall programme will include reference to Northern Ireland's scenery including the Causeway Coast and Glens and the opportunities for golfing and activity holidays. Given the historical and cultural links which exist between Northern Ireland and the United States a bespoke series of events entitled Northern IrelandA Storied Land waiting to be Discovered will highlight aspects of NI including cuisine, sights, Belfast's Maritime Heritage, Scots-Irish, C S Lewis and St. Patrick. The programme has already started with a series of lectures and other events planned for June 2006.

Special Needs

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how he proposes to meet the needs of young adults with special needs after they pass from the responsibility of the Department of Education to the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Goggins: Day care services are provided through the Health and Social Services boards and trusts are for those individuals who will be unable to access services provided elsewhere. In 2003-04, 100 additional places were created and in March 2006, funding was provided for a further 100 places. The Transitions Report, March 2006, set out service improvements for young people with special needs. Proposals made in the Bamford Review of Mental Health and Learning Disability are likely to set out a strategic direction for the development of services over time and as resources allow.

Special Needs

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many children with special needs in mainstream primary schools in the South Eastern Education and Library Board are suffering from a lack of one-to-one classroom assistance; and if he will make a statement.

Maria Eagle: Special education provision is matched to a child's individual needs.
	The South Eastern Education and Library Board has confirmed that should a child require one-to-one classroom assistance on the basis of professional advice provided by medical professionals/educational psychologists, it is given. Not all children, however, require one-to-one assistance.

Speech Therapy

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action has been taken to establish the regional taskforce to improve the provision of speech language therapy in Northern Ireland; which Department is leading the establishment of this taskforce; which Department will lead the taskforce's operation once established; and who the main stakeholders in the taskforce will be.

Paul Goggins: The establishment of the regional taskforce, nominating members, setting objectives and a date for completing the work will be the responsibility of the Special Education Needs Inter-Departmental Group (SEN IDG), which comprises officials from the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and the Department of Education. The SEN IDG will act as the steering group to direct the work of the taskforce and will be meeting in the near future to discuss and make decisions on these issues.

Speech Therapy

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many children are waiting to be assessed by a speech and language therapist in each health and social services board area in Northern Ireland.

Paul Goggins: Information on the number of children waiting to be assessed by a speech and language therapist is not collected centrally.

Speech Therapy

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average waiting time was for assessment for speech and language therapy for children in  (a) special needs and  (b) schools in each health and social services board area in Northern Ireland in the last period for which figures are available.

Paul Goggins: Children with speech and language therapy requirements, as part of their Statements of Special Educational Needs, are referred to the health and social services trusts for therapeutic provision. Education and library boards do not separately keep waiting lists for this provision.
	Information on the average waiting times for speech and language therapy for children is not collected centrally.

Speech Therapy

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many children are waiting post-assessment to commence speech and language therapy in each health and social services board area in Northern Ireland; and what the average waiting time was for commencement of such therapy in the last period for which figures are available.

Paul Goggins: Information on the numbers of children waiting post-assessment to commence speech and language therapy, and average waiting times for commencement of such therapy is not collected centrally.

Speech Therapy

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many  (a) adults and  (b) children are awaiting initial speech therapy assessment in each health board area in the Province.

Paul Goggins: Information on the number of  (a) adults and  (b) children awaiting initial speech therapy assessment in each Health Board area is not collected centrally. However, information is collected centrally on completed waiting times for a first outpatient appointment of an episode of care with a community speech and language therapist. The following table contains information for the quarter ending 30 December 2005 (the latest date for which such information is available) and shows that, of the 2,686 persons who attended their first outpatient appointment, 497 (19 per cent.) had waited for between three and six months, and a further 96 (4 per cent.) had waited for six months or more.
	
		
			Time waiting 
			  Board area  Patients attending first appointment  Less than 3 months  3-6 months  6 months or over 
			 Eastern 1,049 883 137 29 
			 Southern 448 277 147 24 
			 Western 463 382 67 14 
			 Northern 726 551 146 29 
			 Total 2,686 2,093 497 96

Suicide

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent provision has been made in East Belfast, Strangford and North Down  (a) to support families of suicide victims and  (b) to offer help to those contemplating suicide and self-harm.

Paul Goggins: The Ulster Community and Hospitals Health and Social Services Trust provides a range of mental health intervention and strategies to support the families of suicide victims, including counselling for bereavement in conjunction with specialized agencies such as CRUSE.
	Since February 2004, the trust has been operating a Crisis Response and Home Treatment Team, which is available 365 days per year to provide an appropriate response to individuals who have attempted self-harm or are suicidal.
	In addition to this service, members of this team assess any patient who presents to the AE department of the Ulster hospital, Dundonald, suffering from mental health problems. Furthermore, the trust has recently trained three staff in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, and arrangements are presently being made for suicide awareness sessions in local sports and community clubs.

Taxis

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people have been convicted of  (a) driving a taxi and  (b) operating a taxi service illegally in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years.

David Cairns: The information requested, which is set out in the following table, is available only for the period since 1 April 2003, when a dedicated taxi enforcement team was set up by the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency.
	
		
			   Recorded convictions 
			  Detection period  Driver  Operator 
			 1 April 2003-31 March 2004 220 2 
			 1 April 2004-31 March 2005 116 0 
			 1 April 2005-31 March 2006 27 0

Teacher Absences

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average number of days was on which teachers were absent from work in each education and library board area in the Province in each of the last five years, broken down by  (a) education sector and  (b) reason for absence.

Maria Eagle: I have arranged for a copy of the information to be placed in the Library of the House.

Teacher Absences

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was spent on substitute teachers in each Education and Library Board area in the Province in each of the last three years, broken down by education sector.

Maria Eagle: The information is supplied in the following table.
	
		
			   
			   Management type 
			   Controlled  Maintained  Integrated 
			  BELB
			 2003-04 4,949,483.87 4,512,801.54 559,201.00 
			 2004-05 4,754,546.76 4,580,969.09 559,447.80 
			 2005-06 4,415,064.39 4,558,782.46 674,862.69 
			 
			  WELB
			 2003-04 3,616,144.43 5,507,201.02 521,194.23 
			 2004-05 3,783,409.28 5,794,316.78 564,163.19 
			 2005-06 4,253,844.03 8,794,699.68 585,420.21 
			 
			  NEELB
			 2003-04 7,911,348.63 3,523,289.98 665,976.80 
			 2004-05 8,208,085.52 3,497,037.02 780,988.75 
			 2005-06 8,411,756.97 3,673,365.16 906,750.75 
			 
			  SEELB
			 2003-04 6,635,166.17 3,134,787.66 982,920.74 
			 2004-05 6,629,066.53 3,161,413.86 592,126.82 
			 2005-06 6,516,918.92 3,370,733.59 1,500,513.72 
			 
			  SELB
			 2003-04 4,704,520.55 7,112,112.98 648,727.60 
			 2004-05 5,102,743.11 6,986,822.30 835,948.40 
			 2005-06 5,277,409.30 7,360,66978 1,010,865.95 
			  Notes:  1. Controlled, Maintained and Integrated taken from temp teacher board tape totals.  2. Costs are for financial years and reflect salary plus employers costs.

Teacher Training

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what retraining opportunities will be provided for teachers ahead of the introduction of the new curriculum.

Maria Eagle: An extensive programme of in-service training and support will be provided through the Curriculum Advisory and Support Services of the education and library boards, complemented by guidance and resource material provided by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment. The programme will be sequenced to match the phasing-in of the revised curriculum, to ensure manageability for teachers and schools.

Teenage Pregnancies

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many teenage pregnancies have been registered in each health board area in the last three years; and how many of these young mothers were aged between 13 and 14 years.

Paul Goggins: It is not possible to provide information on the number of pregnant teenagers in Northern Ireland, as the number of pregnancies is not recorded.
	The number of births to teenage mothers registered in Northern Ireland and how many of these mothers were aged 13 and 14-years-old in the last three years are shown in the table.
	
		
			  Number of births registered in Northern Ireland by mother's resident Health and Social Services Board and by age, 2003-05 
			Health and Social Services Board  
			   Age of mother  Eastern  Northern  Southern  Western  Northern Ireland 
			  2003 13 0 0 0 0 0 
			  14 2 0 0 2 4 
			  19 and under 686 314 231 250 1,481 
			
			  2004 13 0 1 2 0 3 
			  14 1 0 0 0 1 
			  19 and under 673 344 224 242 1,483 
			  2005( 1) 13 0 0 1 0 1 
			  14 3 2 0 0 5 
			  19 and under 663 303 213 221 1,400 
			 (1) Data for number of births during 2005 are currently provisional as are subject to change.   Notes:  1. The number of births to teenage mothers refers to all live and still births to women aged 19 and under at the time of birth and resident in Northern Ireland.  2. Pregnancies resulting in multiple birth are counted only once.   Source:  Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.

Translink

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consideration is given when changes to bus routes are being undertaken by Translink to the effects on disabled passengers who may have to cross busy thoroughfares to board buses.

David Cairns: Translink has advised that, in line with passenger demand, minor route changes regularly occur. Recently more substantial alterations have been made to some Goldline service routes, specifically those operating between Coleraine, Larne, Ballymena and Belfast. Also, Coleraine itself has recently seen a major reorganisation of services in the Coleraine/Portrush/Portstewart areas. Following the introduction of the new Metro network in February 2005, Translink is now developing Metro Phase 2, which will extend Metro-type services to areas outside Greater Belfast.
	In considering requests in relation to bus operational issues, particularly with regard to bus stops, Translink examines the individual locations in conjunction with other relevant authorities, ie Roads Service and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
	Roads Service, in conjunction with the PSNI, provides advice on road safety matters pertaining to the location of bus stops as and when requested. Where a demand to cross a particular road has been highlighted, Roads Service may carry out an assessment to ascertain whether the location may qualify for a pedestrian crossing. The assessment procedure takes into account the demand to cross the road, together with the difficulty crossing the road. Vulnerable road users are given extra weighting in the assessment. Pedestrian refuges may be provided at sites that do not qualify for a pedestrian crossing facility.

Translink

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much each education and library board area in Northern Ireland paid to Translink in each of the last five years.

Maria Eagle: The information requested is not immediately available for the period prior to the 2002-03 financial years. However, education and library boards paid the following amounts to Translink in each of the last three financial years:
	
		
			   
			   2002-03  2003-04  2004-05 
			 Belfast Board 827,000 845,000 866,000 
			 North-Eastern Board 7,373,000 7,620,000 8,373,000 
			 South-eastern Board 6,419,000 5,918,000 6,931,000 
			 Southern Board 5,135,000 5,446,000 5,966,000 
			 Western Board 3,731,000 3,731,000 4,341,000 
			 Total 23,485,000 23,560,000 26,477,000

Translink

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of Translink income in each of the last five years was obtained from education and library boards.

David Cairns: The percentage of Translink income in each of the last five years obtained from education and library boards was:
	
		
			   Percentage 
			 2000-01 22.0 
			 2001-02 21.0 
			 2002-03 21.2 
			 2003-04 20.5 
			 2004-05 21.1

Treatment Compensation

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much compensation was paid out in the 2005-06 financial year to complainants against their treatment at hospitals in each board area.

Paul Goggins: The following table shows the amounts paid out in 2005-06 in each board area in respect of clinical negligence claims. In some instances the figures include additional costs such as legal fees.
	
		
			  Board area  Amount () 
			 Eastern Health and Social Services Board 3,133,043 
			 Northern Health and Social Services Board 1,095,786 
			 Southern Health and Social Services Board 424,459 
			 Western Health and Social Services Board 1,648,430

Treatment Compensation

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many complaints against  (a) nurses,  (b) general practitioners and  (c) consultants were upheld and in each of the last three years in each trust area; and what compensation was paid to complainants in each case.

Paul Goggins: The information is not available in the form requested. The following table shows amounts of compensation paid in respect of clinical negligence in the last three years in each trust area, including additional costs such as legal fees.
	
		
			   
			  Trust  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06 
			 Royal Group of Hospitals and Dental Hospital 2,248,603 733,404 475,500 
			 Belfast City Hospital 593,229 548,435 327,250 
			 Ulster Community and Hospitals 709,542 229,083 427,250 
			 Down Lisburn 502,850 493,610 1,651,654 
			 Southand East Belfast 666,667 0 65,000 
			 North and West Belfast 45,489 0 22,716 
			 Mater Infirmorum 179,036 61,280 93,062 
			 Green Park 112,032 36,884 70,611 
			 Northern Ireland Ambulance Service 0 0 0 
			 Causeway 0 1,027,781 363,767 
			 Homefirst Community 0 0 7,315 
			 United Hospitals 2,123 625,142 724,705 
			 Armagh and Dungannon 144,349 132,026 45,215 
			 Newry and Mourne 205,000 36,499 103,500 
			 Craigavon and Banbridge 0 0 71,000 
			 Craigavon Area Hospital Group 645,146 2,636,041 204,744 
			 Foyle 5,000 10,000 0 
			 Sperrin Lakeland 56,761 124,272 1,176,623 
			 Altnagelvin 0 0 471,807

Treatment Compensation

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many complaints were recorded against  (a) nursing staff,  (b) general practitioners and  (c) consultants in a three-year period in each trust area.

Paul Goggins: The information is not available in the format requested, however, the total number of complaints by trust area in a three-year period is as follows:
	
		
			  HSS Trust  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05 
			 Belfast City Hospital 110 195 153 
			 Down Lisburn 289 282 299 
			 Green Park Healthcare 132 144 203 
			 Mater Infirmorum 136 92 98 
			 North and West Belfast 150 110 143 
			 Royal Group 490 415 623 
			 South and East Belfast 270 284 252 
			 Ulster Community and Hospitals 360 382 294 
			 Causeway 506 455 456 
			 Homefirst Community 185 286 327 
			 United Hospitals 262 275 310 
			 Armagh and Dungannon 85 77 69 
			 Craigavon and Banbridge Community 82 90 128 
			 Craigavon Area Hospital Group 193 168 220 
			 Newry and Mourne 112 141 150 
			 Altnagelvin Hospitals 200 229 213 
			 Foyle 55 78 71 
			 Sperrin Lakeland 96 54 64 
			 Northern Ireland Ambulance Service 157 181 144 
			 Northern Ireland Total 3,870 3,938 4,217 
		
	
	In addition the number of complaints recorded against general practitioners in a three-year period by HSS board area is:
	
		
			  HSS Board  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05 
			 Eastern 247 250 232 
			 Northern 135 134 160 
			 Southern 97 114 132 
			 Western 160 103 154

Truancy

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average rates of truancy were in  (a) controlled and  (b) maintained schools in each education and library board area in Northern Ireland in each year since 2000.

Maria Eagle: The Department of Education does not collect the requested information. However, information about referrals of pupils to the Education Welfare Service is collected from each of the education and library boards on an annual basis. Referrals can be for a variety of reasons, including truancy.
	The following table shows the percentage of pupils referred to the Education Welfare Service in controlled and maintained schools in Northern Ireland for school years 2000-01 to 2004-05:
	
		
			  Percentage of pupils referred 
			   2000-01  2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05 
			  Board area  C  M  C  M  C  M  C  M  C  M 
			 Belfast 5.31 4.20 4.72 3.32 5.77 4.43 6.61 5.10 5.29 4.97 
			 Western 2.24 5.46 2.17 2.80 3.24 5.62 2.09 3.21 1.19 2.12 
			 N. Eastern 1.95 2.25 4.10 3.78 4.15 4.51 3.07 2.28 1.38 0.90 
			 S. Eastern 3.90 4.32 4.15 4.60 2.73 3.08 2.61 2.76 1.84 1.67 
			 Southern 2.50 3.23 5.30 4.03 4.54 3.83 1.40 1.33 1.27 1.50 
			  Notes:  1. CControlled  2. MMaintained

Undergraduate Numbers

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many undergraduate students attended  (a) St. Mary's college and  (b) Stranmillis college in each of the last five years, broken down by religious background.

Maria Eagle: The information requested is as follows.
	
		
			  Undergraduate enrolments at St. Mary's and Stranmillis university colleges by religion 2000/01 to 2004/05 
			   St. Mary's university college 
			  Academic year  Protestant  Roman Catholic  Other  Not known  Total 
			 2000/01 10 713 0 85 808 
			 2001/02 5 524 0 334 863 
			 2002/03  715 0 * 958 
			 2003/04  769 0 * 1,015 
			 2004/05  759 0 * 1,010 
		
	
	
		
			  Stranmillis university college 
			  Academic year  Protestant  Roman Catholic  Other  Not known  Total 
			 2000/01 563 72 14 407 1,056 
			 2001/02 812 110 19 287 1,228 
			 2002/03 866 125 23 185 1,199 
			 2003/04 891 134 32 143 1,200 
			 2004/05 924 159 35 159 1,277 
			  Note:  To prevent the identification of individuals, figures less than five have been suppressed and are denoted by . Figures which could allow those figures to be calculated have been replaced by *.   Source:  Higher Education Statistics Agency 
		
	
	HESA data relating to the 2005/06 academic year are not available at this time.

Urologists

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many whole-time equivalent urologists are employed in each health trust in the Province; and what plans there are to increase the number.

Paul Goggins: The number of whole-time equivalent urologists is as follows:
	
		
			   Whole-time equivalents 
			 Altnagelvin Hospitals HSS Trust 2.00 
			 Belfast City Hospital HSS Trust 5.00 
			 Causeway HSS Trust 2.00 
			 Craigavon Area Hospital Group HSS Trust 1.82 
		
	
	In recognition of the historic under-provision of consultant urologists locally, in comparison with other parts of the UK, there has been investment in additional specialist training, there is currently capacity for seven specialist registrars.

Vaccinations

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what information is available in  (a) leaflet and  (b) website format to people travelling abroad from Northern Ireland which highlights the appropriate vaccinations, if required; what other general information on health insurance and contact numbers of British embassies he provides for travellers; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Goggins: Advice to UK citizens travelling abroad is contained in the booklet T7, Health Advice for Travellers, which is available in all post offices. The information contained in the booklet is also available online, and can be accessed directly on the Department of Health website or by linking to it from the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety website. The online version also contains links to other Government Departments' websites, in particular the Foreign and Commonwealth Office where information on British embassies can be obtained.

Vehicle Registration

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take steps to simplify the process for motorists moving to Northern Ireland from other parts of the UK wishing  (a) to register their vehicles in Northern Ireland and  (b) to continue with their United Kingdom road fund licence until it expires; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: I have been asked to reply.
	Work is under way to integrate the separate vehicle computer systems operated by Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland (DVLNI). This will simplify the registration and licensing process when vehicles move between Northern Ireland and other parts of the United Kingdom. The vehicle keeper will only need to notify a change of address. This could be in place as soon as October 2007.

Velcade Treatment

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many patients in each health board area in Northern Ireland are receiving velcade treatment for cancer.

Paul Goggins: There are currently 11 patients receiving velcade treatment at the cancer centre at Belfast city hospital and at the cancer units at Altnagelvin, Antrim, Craigavon and Ulster hospitals on the 25 May 2006.
	It is not possible to provide information at health board level as the small numbers involved pose a potential risk of disclosure of individual's details.

Victim Support

Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much public money has been spent on  (a) consultants and  (b) advertising by Victim Support Northern Ireland in each year since its formation; what the (i) administrative and (ii) salary costs were of the organisation in the last year for which figures are available; how many people are employed by the organisation, broken down by grade; and how much money has been allocated by his Department to the organisation in each year since its formation.

David Hanson: Victim Support Northern Ireland (VSNI) is an independent voluntary organisation core- funded by the Northern Ireland Office to provide information, support and practical help to victims of crime and witnesses.
	The following table provides a breakdown of expenditure made by VSNI for consultants and advertising. In line with VSNI retention policy, information is not available from the formation of the organisation:
	
		
			   
			  Financial year  Consultants  Advertising 
			 1999-2000 34,509 16,803 
			 2000-01 20,398 18,743 
			 2001-02 11,633 14,095 
			 2002-03 1,093 55,270 
			 2003-04 3,917 60,311 
			 2004-05 5,279 29,799 
			 2005-06 27,606 21,544 
		
	
	In 2005-06 VSNI's administrative costs were 622,963 and the salary costs were 1,263,936.
	The following is a list of the staffing posts within VSNI broken down by grade:
	
		
			  Post  Number of staff 
			 Branch Managers 8 
			 Branch Co-ordinators 8 
			 Advice Workers 9 
			 Administrative Officers (P/T) 3 
			 Administrative Officers (F/T) 18 
			 Court Witness Co-ordinators (P/T) 2 
			 Court Witness Co-ordinators (F/T) 4 
			 CEO 1 
			 Senior Management Team 4 
			 C/Injuries Technical Manager 1 
			 Court Witness Project Manager 1 
			 Training Officer 1 
			 HR Officer 1 
			 Finance Officer (P/T) 1 
			 IT Support (P/T) 1 
			 Domestic Assistant (P/T) I 
			 Staff 64 
		
	
	The following table details the NIO funding provided to VSNI since 1999-2000. Funding substantially increased from 2001-02 with the development of two new servicesassistance for those claiming criminal injuries compensation and support for victims and witnesses attending court. In line with NIO retention policy information is not available from the formation of the organisation:
	
		
			  Financial year  Funding (000) 
			 1999-2000 767 
			 2000-01 787 
			 2001-02 1,405

Victim Support

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much financial support his Department gives to Victim Support Northern Ireland; and what mechanisms are in place to monitor how that funding is spent.

David Hanson: Victim Support Northern Ireland (VSNI) is an independent voluntary organisation core- funded by the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) to provide information, support and practical help to victims of crime and witnesses.
	In 2005-06 the NIO provided funding of 1,907,000 to VSNI for the provision of its Community Service, Criminal Injuries Compensation Service and Court Witness Service.
	The NIO has an agreed Conditions of Grant with VSNI which specifies the services to be delivered by VSNI, the arrangements for monitoring service delivery and performance, the roles and responsibilities for the stewardship of public funds and general conditions. In accordance with the Conditions of Grant, the Department closely monitors both business and financial performance on a quarterly basis and also holds quarterly bilateral meetings with VSNI.

Violent Offenders

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he plans to extend the role of the Multi-Agency Procedures for the Assessment and Management of Sex Offenders to include violent offenders in Northern Ireland.

David Hanson: I believe it is important that we continually review and develop how we manage offenders in the community. This is why I intend introducing legislation later this year which will strengthen the current sex offender management arrangements in Northern Ireland by placing these on a statutory footing and extending the arrangements to include the management of non-sexual violent offenders. My officials are currently engaged in detailed consultation with colleagues who operate the offender management procedures, both here and in England and Wales, about the implications of such a change.

Violent Offenders

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will ensure that the Violent Offender and Sex Offender Register is available to the Probation Board and Prison Service on the same basis as it is to the police in Northern Ireland.

David Hanson: The Violent Offender and Sex Offender Register (ViSOR), is a secure, confidential, fully auditable national database which allows the police, probation and prison services to monitor and manage sexual and violent offenders and others who may cause serious harm to the public. The three criminal justice agencies have agreed that access to ViSOR for prisons and probation should be provided through Causeway and are currently engaged in the development of the platform and protocols necessary for access to be granted.

Waiting Times

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the  (a) average and  (b) longest waiting time is for (i) inpatient admission and (ii) initial outpatient assessment in the plastic surgery speciality in Northern Ireland.

Paul Goggins: Official waiting list information is collected by time band. It is therefore not possible to calculate the average (arithmetic mean) and longest waiting time. It is however possible to identify the median or mid-point waiting and longest waiting time band.
	The latest available waiting list statistics show the position at 31 March 2006. Plastic surgery numbers relating to the  (a) median and  (b) longest waiting time bands for (i) inpatient admission and (ii) initial outpatient assessment are shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Waiting time numbers for plastic surgery specialty at 31 March 2006 
			  Months 
			   (a) Median wait  (b) Longest wait 
			 (i) Inpatient admission 3-5 9-11 
			 (ii) Initial outpatient assessment 21-23 24+ 
			  Source:  Departmental Information Returns CH1 Parts A and B and CHS Parts 1 and 2.

Waiting Times

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average waiting time was at each accident and emergency department in Northern Ireland in each of the last 12 months.

Paul Goggins: Information on the time that patients wait to be seen in accident and emergency departments is not collected centrally. Not all hospitals have electronic systems to record accident and emergency department activity. For those hospitals that have only manual recording systems in place, data extraction is a lengthy and time-consuming process.

Water Supplies

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what changes are planned to the funding of water supplies in Northern Ireland.

David Cairns: From 1 April 2007 Northern Ireland's water and sewerage services will be provided by a Government-owned company, Northern Ireland Water Limited (NIWL). Self-financing arrangements will be introduced which will result in the full costs incurred in providing water and sewerage services being recovered from charges to customers. The comprehensive water and sewerage charging regime to be introduced will involve the general introduction of unmeasured domestic water and sewerage charges with measured charges (i.e. metering) being introduced for all new properties and new connections. Meters will also be offered to pensioner households. In the non-domestic sector, water charges will be extended and sewerage charges introduced for all non-domestic customers.
	All these new charges will be phased in over three years so NIWL will not be fully self-financing until 2009-10. There will also be a low-income protection scheme in the form of an affordability tariff which will involve capping charges for eligible customers at an affordable level. The affordability tariff will ensure that eligible low-income households spend no more than 3 per cent. of their income on water and sewerage charges. As many as 200,000 households (30 per cent. of all households) in Northern Ireland who presently qualify for rate rebate, housing benefit or the new Northern Ireland rate relief scheme should benefit from this scheme. The affordability tariff will also extend to all 16 to 17-year-old householders and to children leaving care up to the age of 21. For those on low incomes, the affordability tariff will mean that no-one will pay more than 180 regardless of the value of the property in which they live. On 1 June 2006 the Government published draft legislation, entitled The Water and Sewerage Services (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, which will introduce important changes to the way water and sewerage services are delivered in Northern Ireland. Among other things the Draft Order sets out a framework for the levying of charges for water and sewerage services.

Water Supplies

Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the cost to public funds was of water lost through leaks in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years.

David Cairns: The chief executive of Water Service (Mrs. Katherine Bryan) has been asked to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question.
	 Letter from Mrs. Katharine Bryan, dated 5 June 2006:
	You recently asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland a Parliamentary Question about the cost to public funds of water lost through leaks in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years (74983). I have been asked to reply as this issue falls within my responsibility as Chief Executive of Water Service.
	The estimated costs are set out in the table below. They are based on the additional operating costs, principally for power and chemicals, associated with supplying water above the economic level of leakage. The economic level of leakage is the point at which it would cost more to make further reductions than to produce water from an alternative source.
	
		
			   million 
			   Cost of water lost through leaks 
			 2001-02 3.8 
			 2002-03 2.9 
			 2003-04 1.9 
			 2004-05 1.2 
			 2005-06 0.42